President wants US to help develop AAF

KABUL): President Hamid Karzai on Monday urged United States Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter to help develop Afghan security organs, especially the nascent Afghan Air Force (AAF).

During a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Karzai and the Pentagon deputy chief also discussed the Bilateral Security Agreement and regional issues.

Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi and National Security Advisor Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta were also in attendance, a statement from the president’s office said.

Strengthening Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), particularly the air force, was vital to the signing of BSA and promoting bilateral relations, the president stressed.

The Afghans, according top priority to peace and stability in their country, were insisting on enhancing the capabilities of their security forces, Karzai maintained.

Ashton noted the significant improvement in ANSF strength and abilities, saying he was surprised at their rapid progress. He criticised the media on playing up minor and unimportant weaknesses of Afghan forces.

pr/mud

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