September 30, 2014 Ambassador Cunningham Remarks for the Signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement I am honored to represent the United States at this historic moment for our two countries. The signature of our Bilateral Security Agreement makes clear and concrete our mutual commitment to maintain and strengthen the enduring partnership between the United States and Afghanistan. The United States values its relationship with Afghanistan and the Afghan people. We are committed to a better future for Afghanistan. We are eager to work with President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah, and a new Afghan government, to achieve more success in the coming years. Our two countries have made great progress in the pursuit of stability and security for Afghanistan. Afghan security forces have demonstrated their resolve and capability in providing security for the Afghan people. This Agreement will enable the United States to help the ANSF to build on this progress after the ISAF mission comes to a close, and a new NATO mission begins. Our close defense and security cooperation will provide the foundation for Afghanistan to continue its impressive development and to build on the achievements of the past. Our Agreement will also contribute to stability not only in Afghanistan, but throughout the region. The progress we have made on security has come at a great cost. We must never forget those, military and civilian, who lost their lives in our shared struggle, nor our sons and daughters who have returned home bearing both the visible and invisible marks of conflict. We suffer these losses side-by-side. Our relationship with Afghanistan is based on deep and abiding respect for the sovereignty of Afghanistan, and for the Afghan people. When the Loya Jirga unanimously endorsed the BSA, and when an overwhelming number of Afghans voted for candidates committed to this Agreement, it was clear that the people of Afghanistan placed a great stake in our enduring partnership. Their support sends a powerful message. The Agreement is more than a commitment, it is a choice. It is a choice by Afghanistan to consolidate international support as the Afghan people work for a more secure and prosperous future. It is a choice by the United States to continue cooperating with our Afghan partners on two important security missions: training and equipping Afghan forces and supporting cooperation against terrorism. By providing clarity about our security relationship, the Agreement opens the way for continued efforts to promote development in health, education, communications, women’s issues, justice, and economic growth. As we enter the next phase in our relationship, the United States is proud to stand beside Afghanistan as a partner.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 05:39:34 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015