Readout of Deputy Secretary Carter’s Meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai
May 13, 2013

Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai today at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan. Earlier the Deputy Secretary visited Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces in the Jalalabad area and met with U.S. troops.

Deputy Secretary Carter congratulated President Karzai on the progress of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) that is enabling the Afghan Forces to take the lead in security in over 90 percent of the country.

Deputy Secretary Carter reiterated the strong U.S. partnership with Afghanistan and emphasized the continued U.S. commitment to support the ANSF into the future. Deputy Secretary Carter expressed his admiration for the performance and professionalism of the ANSF.