Washington, Sept. 30, 2014 – Newly sworn-in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed the bilateral security agreement between his government and the United States, as well as a status of forces agreement with NATO.
The agreements mark “a historic day in the U.S.-Afghan partnership that will help advance our shared interests and the long-term security of Afghanistan,” President Barack Obama said in a statement released by the White House.
Ghani was sworn into office on Sept 29th and shares power with Abdullah Abdullah, the country’s chief executive, in the new Afghan Government of National Unity.
The signing of the agreements enables U.S. and NATO forces to continue to assist the development of Afghan security forces past the end of this year.
In a statement issued today, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called the agreements “an important step forward” for Afghanistan’s new government.
These agreements “will enable American and coalition troops to continue to help strengthen Afghan forces, counter terrorist threats, and advance regional security,” Hagel said in his statement.
U.S. Central Command commander, Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, congratulated the people of Afghanistan on their “historic, peaceful transfer of power” in a statement released today.