Foreign Minister Spanta addresses Joint Press Conference on US Visit

Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, yesterday took part in a Joint Press Conference with the Minister of Interior, Mohammad Anif Atmar, and the National Security Adviser, Dr. Zalmay Rasool to brief the media on the outcome of their meetings with senior US officials during their recent visit to Washington, D.C.

Foreign Minister highlighted good-governance, development, strengthening of Afghan security institutions, civilian casualties, combat against corruption, fight against terrorism and peace and national reconciliation as the focus of discussions with US officials.

He added that during the course of the visit, US officials reiterated the long-term commitment of the United States of America to enhance Afghanistan’s reconstruction, strengthen Afghan government institutions and achieve stability in the region. He added that the Afghan delegation “emphasized strengthening democratization and justice as essential components of a successful counter-terrorism strategy in Afghanistan.”

On his bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Foreign Minister Spanta stated that both sides shared common views on various issues and emphasized the US-Afghan Strategic Partnership.  In his talks with Foreign Minister Qureishi of Pakistan, Foreign Minister Spanta said that “both sides discussed bilateral cooperation, particularly strengthening efforts in the combat against terrorism.” 

On his part, Minister of Interior Anif Atmar stated “we are pleased at the outcome of our meetings which will serve the national interests of Afghanistan.”  He referred to the renewed US commitment to help strengthen Afghan security institutions, including the training and equipping of Afghan National Police (ANP), as “an important development.”  The Minister of Interior noted that “US officials would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the ANP’s needs.” 

Further, the Minister of Interior said that two delegations discussed the issue of civilian casualties. On other issues, he stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) committed to provide assistance for the creation of a “Special Anti-Crime Task Force.”

National Security Adviser Dr. Zalmay Rasool highlighted joint counter-terrorism operations, regional cooperation and peace and reconciliation with the opposition as other pertinent topics of discussions with US officials. 

Referring to the tri-lateral talks between Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States, Foreign Minister Spanta stated that “the three sides shared a common view as regards the original sources of terrorism.”  He further added “that each party agreed to take specific measures on a timely basis to achieve their respective responsibilities,” as regards the combat against terrorism.  Moreover, it was said that “the three sides agreed to hold additional meetings in the future to discuss joint counter-terrorism efforts.”