US, Germany Agree to Continue ‘Afghan Mission’

The United States President Donald Trump and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel also discussed Afghanistan’s situation on their first meeting at the White House on Friday.

During a joint press conference with Merkel at the White House, the U.S. President praised Germany’s role in Afghanistan.

“I want to thank the chancellor for her leadership in supporting NATO and its efforts in Afghanistan,” Trump said,” This has come at significant cost, including the lives of over 50 German soldiers whose sacrifice we greatly honor.”

Meanwhile, Merkel reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to continue to work in Afghanistan and in the fight against Islamic State militants with the United States.

“I am very glad that the United States is intending to continue to commit to the Afghan mission as well. Together we fight against Islamist terrorism. Germany is going to step up its work and is going to continue its work in Afghanistan,” Merkel told reporters at the new conference.

At the same time, the Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized on strengthening the relations between Kabul and Moscow.

“Russia and Afghanistan has important and common interests,” said Atmar,” our cooperation is important in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, peace and reconciliation as well as our economical cooperation.”

Russia also committed to support Afghan government policies for peace process.

“It is very important for us to continue talking about ways to promote national reconciliation in Afghanistan. In recent months, we have taken a whole number of active moves in cooperation with Afghanistan and key outside players. We are planning additional steps in this direction, and we hope to mobilize the will of the international community to move along this path,” said Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at his opening remarks with the Afghan National Security Adviser in Moscow.

These comments come as earlier some top U.S. and NATO commanders asked for additional troops in Afghanistan to win the ongoing stalemate and effectively support the Afghan forces.

Reported by: Fahim Noori