Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper Statement on the Commencement of Afghanistan Peace Negotiations
Sept. 12, 2020

The start of Afghanistan peace negotiations marks an historic moment in the Afghan peace process and is an important step in advancing the President’s South Asia Strategy. It is crucial for both sides to take advantage of this opportunity to make a truly Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process a success. On this day, we remember the great sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed forces (military and civilian), who have sacrificed in some cases with their lives alongside our NATO and Afghan partners to make this day possible.