U.S. Ambassador John Bass Visits Kandahar

The U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, John R. Bass, had a two-day visit to southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan aimed at meeting with local officials and military leaders based there, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement Monday.

“The representatives of Kandahar with whom I met showed me great hospitality, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet with our partners to discuss our joint efforts to build a more stable and peaceful Afghanistan,” the statement quoted ambassador Bass as saying  “I look forward to visiting provinces throughout Afghanistan in addition to continuing our important work in Kabul.”

During the visit, Ambassador Bass has met with Kandahar Provincial Governor Zalmai Weesa, provincial council members, and civil society representatives.

He has also consulted with Train, Advise, Assist Command – South (TAAC-S) Commander Brigadier General John Lathrop and other senior military leaders to review training that the United States and other Resolute Support nations are providing to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to further improve their effectiveness.

The United States supports a number of economic and development projects in Kandahar aimed at empowering civil society, encouraging business development, and building security.

 The U.S.-Afghan Provincial Development Strategy promotes economic growth through anti-corruption, counter-narcotics, agriculture, health, education, and good governance programs.