Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Call With President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani

 Feb. 5, 2021

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On February 5, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin spoke with His Excellency Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to an enduring U.S.-Afghan partnership, emphasizing the strength of the defense relationship. The Secretary and President Ghani discussed the shared sacrifices of U.S. and Afghanistan forces and collective gains made over the last 19 years.

President Ghani and Secretary Austin discussed the Afghan peace process and the imperative for a negotiated settlement to end the war.  Both sides emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity for peace.