Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Office of the President

President Hamid Karzai meeting US Defence Secretary On January 16, President Hamid Karzai met Robert Gates, US Secretary of Defence, at the Gul Khana Palace, and held a joint press conference with him after the meeting.

Addressing the press conference, President Hamid Karzai said, "It is a pleasure to welcome Defence Secretary Gates to Afghanistan. He reiterated his country’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and the strengthening of the Afghan national army and police.

“The United States of America is not only firm in its commitment to the strengthening of peace and stability in Afghanistan, but its commitment has further deepened.”

Addressing the press conference, Robert Gates said, “It has been a pleasure to meet and have a conversation with President Karzai. I think he has shown extraordinary leadership and courage in making tough decisions for Afghanistan. I want to thank him for his hospitality and leadership.”

“The Afghan army is increasingly taking the lead in combat operations, and the force continues to grow in size and strengthens the confidence, and I met some of these forces this afternoon and was very impressed.”

“There has been a lot of progress in Afghanistan. For example, under the Taliban government, women were subject to arbitrary rules and punishment, now 74 women serve in the Afghan Parliament, writing the laws that govern the society.”

“Only eight percent of Afghans used to have access to some form of health care, today some eighty percent do. This is an important time to secure the gains of the past, and to build on them in the future.”

In response to a question about the increase in the number of border incidents since an agreement in September by Pakistan with tribal leaders in North Wazirestan, Robert Gates said, “There is no question that there has been a significant increase in attacks from across the border, particularly in north and south Wazirestan.”

“We will continue working with Pakistan to see if there is a way that we can begin to reduce the violence coming from that side of the border.”

In response to a question, the President said, “Senior US officials’ visits to Afghanistan show their friendship and continued commitment to the people of Afghanistan.”