KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani and US acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan have discussed implementation of the Trump administration’s South Asia strategy.
During the meeting at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Ghani said the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) would remain valid until durable peace was established in the country.
Both sides talked on a wide range of defence issues, including the importance of the US-Afghanistan security ties and achieving a political settlement to the conflict.
Afghanistan would never again be used as a safe haven from which terrorist could plan or launch attacks against the US interests and allies, they concurred.
Shanahan praised the sacrifices made by Afghan and Coalition troops and reaffirmed continued support to Afghan forces as they led the fight to defend their country.
Praising the outcome of Washington’s South Asia policy, Ghani suggested a Loya Jirga of tribal elders should be convened into session to plan a course for peace.
However, he explained, doing away with militant sanctuaries across the border as part of the US strategy remained ‘unaccomplished’.
In a a statement from his office, Ghani promised views and suggestions of the grand assembly would be considered in different phases of the peace process.
He said the consultative peace gathering would follow the third Kabul Process summit that would focus on the peace process.
Afghanistan was preparing for the presidential election for continuation of democracy and peaceful transfer of power, the president added.
Shanahan, who arrived on an unannounced visit in Kabul, also met Chief Executive Abdullah and Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid.
Sa/mud
