Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on the Signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement
September 30, 2014

The new Afghan government took an important step forward today by signing a bilateral security agreement with the United States and a Status of Forces Agreement with NATO. These agreements will enable American and coalition troops to continue to help strengthen Afghan forces, counter terrorist threats, and advance regional security. As the Afghan people celebrate their nation’s first peaceful and democratic transfer of power, I look forward to working with President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah, and other members of Afghanistan’s new government. I also thank General Campbell, the men and women of ISAF, and their partners in the Afghan National Security Forces as we bring our combat mission to an end and build an enduring strategic partnership with the people of Afghanistan.