Pelosi Statement on Conclusion of Congressional Delegation Visit to Afghanistan
Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Members of the Congressional delegation meet with Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani.
Rome – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi concluded a two-day Congressional Delegation visit to Afghanistan and released the following statement:
“Our national security delegation to Afghanistan follows President Obama’s recent announcement of a modified schedule for U.S. troop withdrawal and the earlier announcement of new authorities for U.S. forces operating in Afghanistan. The President’s actions were key to enlisting the support of our allies at the July 2016 NATO Warsaw Summit.
“A purpose of our trip was to be with and hear from our troops from the front lines in Afghanistan. Under the leadership of General John Nicholson, Jr., Commander of NATO Resolute Support Mission and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, the delegation received a comprehensive series of national security and intelligence briefings. The discussions focused on ways our military is leveraging new authorities granted by President Obama and resources against terrorist elements to ensure international security and stability. The delegation welcomes the opportunity to engage with senior military leaders on these issues, including servicemembers based at Bagram Air Base.
“In eastern Afghanistan, the delegation met with Train, Advise and Assist Command – East at Gamberi Training Base. It was an honor to thank our troops for their service and learn about the regional training of Afghan security forces near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Another highlight of the delegation’s visit was meeting U.S. and international Air Force servicemembers engaged in the NATO training and support mission and their Afghan partners. It was a privilege to meet with our troops and express our deepest gratitude for their service and the sacrifice of the families.
“Another purpose of the trip was to meet President Ashraf Ghani and other Afghan government leaders to discuss security, governance, development and corruption. The delegation sought assurance that the necessary reforms would be implemented to stabilize the economy and combat corruption. This is especially urgent in preparation for the October Donors’ Conference in Brussels.
“The delegation was grateful for the opportunity to meet with President Ghani and members of his cabinet, and with Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, who shared his perspective on the reform agenda and advancement of sustainable development. It is clear from our meeting with President Ghani, Dr. Abdullah and others that the National Unity Government must succeed and must schedule parliamentary elections soon.
“The delegation was pleased to continue its ongoing focus on the women of Afghanistan by hearing from Afghan women leaders, servicemembers and the Ministers of Health, Agriculture, and Labor and Social Affairs. It was obvious from our meeting that women in Afghanistan are not going back.
“The delegation is grateful to Ambassador Peter Michael McKinley and the U.S. Embassy staff in Kabul for their distinguished representation of our nation, sharing their informed views and making our visit a success.”
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