Ghani discusses reforms with MoD officials

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani on Monday stressed the need for implementing necessary reforms in the Ministry of Defense (MoD) and said these reforms should be for sustainability of security forces.

A statement from the President spokesman’s office said President Ghani attended and addressed a meeting on assessment of reforms in the MoD.

Deputy defense minister Shah MahmoodMiakhil said the defense ministry had a vast capacity, will and commitment to implement reforms transparently.

In his address, President Ghani said “Every time I come here, my confidence and trust in you multiplies. I regularly contact brave frontline soldiers and listen to their demands and suggestions which increase my confidence in your commitment and increased capacities”.

President Ghani praised Miakhil’s efforts at bringing about reforms to the Ministry of Defense.

He promised that no deduction would come in the budget, equipment and training of security forces which enjoyed the government’s attention and support of international community.

“I will defend you to the last drop of my blood and will reach out to the families of the martyred security forces,” he added.

President Ghani about the peace negotiations said the Afghan government was committed to a peace that ensures justice, increases partnership and protects public rights.

President Ghani separately discussed reforms with MoD officials and was briefed about martyrs, wounded, disabled, detained soldiers, trainings, human resource, religious and cultural affairs, human rights and gender affairs, maintenance affairs, technical and logistics affairs, reduction in expenses, fight against corruption, recruitment and medical issues for improvement purposes.

“These reforms would be implemented for sustainability of security forces,” Ghani said.

National Security Advisor HamdullahMohib said Afghan Security forces had high morale and the Afghans were proud of them.

He added the Afghan national Army was the only department fighting against the insurgents and the reforms would enable the government to reach out to the families of martyred and wounded security forces.

Hr/ma