KABUL, DEC 19 (DNA) – Afghan government on Monday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s new national security strategy, saying it is in line with Afghanistan’s shared objectives against terrorism.

The new National Security Strategy includes bolstering the fighting strength of the Afghan forces to convince the Taliban that they cannot win on the battlefield and to set the conditions for diplomatic efforts to achieve enduring peace.

It also calls on Pakistan to take decisive action against militant and terror groups from its soil.

“The NSS and U.S. South Asia strategy are the cornerstones upon which our shared efforts to defeat terrorism and bring stability to Afghanistan are built,” Afghan presidency said in a statement. “Our partnership, which reflects a renewed U.S. commitment, will set the conditions to end the war and finally bringing peace to Afghanistan.”

The statement welcomed that the strategy “aims to strengthen peace and stability in the region especially through diplomatic means.”

The statement further added that the National Unity Government is committed to principle of mutual respect and cooperation among states in the region.

“We have always worked and shall continue to do so for a peaceful region with increased connectivity for the shared economic development of our people in this region,” the statement said. “To this end, we will continue to work with our neighbours close and far in the region.”=DNA

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