Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Office of the President

President Karzai and US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley

On November 03, President Karzai received Stephen Hadley, US National Security Advisor, at the Presidential Palace.

The President and Mr. Hadley discussed the fight against terrorism, the strengthening of security in the region, and the fight against corruption.

Mr. Hadley emphasized the continuation of US assistance to Afghanistan:

“We are committed to Afghanistan having strong and effective security institutions. We intend to provide more equipment to the Afghan National Police and Army, and will increase our assistance to their training.

“The US will assist the Afghan Government in its effort to increase the number of police officers from 62,000 to 82,000.”

Mr. Hadley called the regional meeting of tribal elders on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistan border as important to achieving peace, and expressed hope that it will help ensure security in the region.

President Karzai agreed that such meetings are important for fighting terrorism and ensuring regional security. He also stated the Government’s commitment to eradicating narcotics, saying, “The responsible counter-narcotic institutions are trying to reduce poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, especially in areas where we had an increase in the last year.”