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President Karzai Meets Donald Rumsfeld, US Secretary of Defense
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 On September 25, President Karzai met with Donald Rumsfeld, US Secretary of Defense, in Washington DC.
Afghanistan’s achievements in the fight against terrorism and narcotics, and the challenges it continues to face, were among the topics discussed. The need to strengthen the Afghan national police and army was also stressed. Secretary Rumsfeld reiterated the United States’ long-term commitment to supporting Afghanistan, saying, “The United States is firmly committed to supporting Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism and to providing assistance to Afghanistan until it stands on its own feet.” President Karzai noted the importance of succeeding in Afghanistan, saying, “The fight against terrorism is, in fact, a common effort for the security of Afghanistan, the United States, and the world.” On the topic of narcotics, the President said, “This phenomenon has shamed the name of Afghanistan and we are firmly committed to fighting this menace. We will remove this menace from Afghanistan whether the world assists us or not.” |