*KABUL – US Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan held meetings inKabul on Tuesday to reaffirm the United States’ support for Afghanistan atthis difficult time, the US Embassy in Kabul said in a statement. *
The top US official met Afghan officials to discuss joint efforts toachieve the objectives of the US South Asia strategy and set the conditionsfor a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict, the statement said.
The Deputy Secretary’s visit underscores the United States’ commitment toworking with the government and the Afghan people to bring peace, security,and sustained economic growth to Afghanistan and the region.
During his visit, the Deputy Secretary met with Afghan President AshrafGhani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Foreign MinisterSalahuddin Rabbani, and other government leaders.
During the meetings, Sullivan discussed security cooperation; theimportance of holding timely, credible, and inclusive parliamentary andpresidential elections; and continued reforms designed to build a peaceful,secure, and prosperous future for the Afghan people, according to thestatement.
The Deputy Secretary also engaged young leaders of civil society, membersof the media, business leaders, individuals from across the politicalspectrum, and others to explore how the United States can help Afghanscreate a better future for themselves.
In addition, he met US government employees at the US Embassy and Americantroops serving in Afghanistan alongside the Afghan security forces.
He thanked both groups for their hard work in implementing the South Asiastrategy.