Obama urges full Afghan cabinet, respect for rule of law

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): The visit of President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Dr Abdullah is an opportunity to begin a new chapter in bilateral relations, US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday.

“With a new government in Afghanistan and with the end of our combat mission, this visit is an opportunity to begin a new chapter,” Obama told White House reporters at a joint news conference with Ghani.

He hailed the visiting leaders for their strong support to the partnership and they had a chance to spend time at Camp David for excellent discussions on how to move forward together.

Obama said Ghani’s presence, along with Abdullah, underscored Afghanistan’s progress. In last year’s election, he recalled, millions of Afghans defied threats from the Taliban and bravely cast their ballots,

“In the spirit of compromise and putting their interests behind the interests of the nation, Ghani and Abdullah ensured the first peaceful and democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan’s history,” said the US president.

Obama urged Ghani to complete his cabinet and reminded him of his vow to combat corruption, uphold rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions.

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