March 22, 2021
1 min read

US Defence Secy visits Ghani

Austin landed in Kabul on Sunday for his maiden visit, following his two-day trip to New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News

In an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin met President Ashraf Ghani during which they both expressed concerns over the increase of violence in the war-torn country, according to authorities in Kabul.

Austin arrived in Kabul on Sunday, following his two-day trip to New Delhi.

In a tweet on Sunday evening, Austin said: “I’m very grateful for my time with President Ashraf Ghani today. I came to Afghanistan to listen and learn. This visit has been very helpful for me, and it will inform my participation in the review we are undergoing here with POTUS (US President Joe Biden).”

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin (Photo: @SecDef/Twitter)

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Afghan Presidential Palace said that Austin is expected to meet other senior high ranking officials during his stay in Kabul, TOLO News reported.

“Ghani and the Defence Secretary stressed that enduring and just peace is the main solution for the current situation in Afghanistan,” the Palace said.

The statement added that Austin stressed the US is supporting Afghanistan in this respect.

Austin’s trip comes as the US is reviewing the Doha agreement, which the country had signed with the Taliban in February 2020, while also keeping all options on the table when it comes to the May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

In a report last week, NBC News had said that President Biden is considering keeping US troops in Afghanistan until November, rather than withdrawing them by the May deadline, TOLO News reported.

But there has been no official comment on this development.

Also read:Covid mutant cases in US at 6,000

Previous Story

Australian nod for domestic AstraZeneca

Next Story

Fuel prices remain steady for 3 weeks

Latest from -Top News

Turkey’s Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence….writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Banks, ATMs in Afghanistan shut for 7th day

Banks and cash machines in Afghanistan stay closed for the

‘Ghost soldiers failed Afghan army’

Former Afghan Finance Minister Khalid Payenda, who resigned and left