Obama discusses security partnership with Afghan leaders

 

Washington, July 23 US President Barack Obama discussed with Afghan leaders ways to deepen security partnership between the two countries, the White House said late Wednesday.

In a video conference with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, Obama praised the Afghan security forces' performance during the current fighting season, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement issued by the White House as saying. 

Obama commended the progress made since the leaders met here in March, including efforts to curb corruption, revive the economy, and improve regional economic connectivity.

They also discussed the need to encourage regional cooperation to counter terrorist threats.

Obama also offered continued US support for the Afghan-led peace process and applauded Ghani for his efforts to advance reconciliation.

The first face-to-face talks between a delegation of the Afghan government and Taliban representatives took place in Pakistan earlier this month and both sides agreed to hold a second round of talks by the end of this month.