Afghanistan
Blinken, Austin discuss Afghanistan security situation with Ashraf Ghani
Kabul/Washington: US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III spoke on Thursday with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani to stress that the United States remains invested in the security and stability of Afghanistan in the face of violence by the Taliban.
"Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin informed President Ghani that the United States is reducing our civilian footprint in Kabul in light of the evolving security situation and will accelerate the tempo of Special Immigration Visa (SIV) flights," US Secretary of State Ned Price said in a statement.
"The Secretaries both emphasized that the United States remains committed to maintaining a strong diplomatic and security relationship with the Government of Afghanistan," read the statement.
During the call, Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, and President Ghani exchanged views on the security environment in Afghanistan, efforts to curb violence, and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Secretary Blinken affirmed that the United States remained committed to support a political solution to the conflict.
Afghanistan is witnessing a major resurgence of violence in recent times ever since the foreign forces started leaving the country.
The Taliban has captured several regions in the country including key cities like Herat and Kandahar.
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