US Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed the resolution by Afghan elders which was passed during the national grand council (Loya Jirga) regarding the bilateral security agreement between Kabul and Washington.
Kerry in a statement following the conclusion of the grand council, called for quick signing of the security agreement between the two nations.
“I can’t imagine a more compelling affirmation from the Afghan people themselves of their commitment to a long term partnership with the United States and our international partners,” Kerry said in his statement.
Kerry also added, “The critical next step must be to get the BSA signed in short order, and put into motion an agreement which will lay a firm foundation for our two countries to continue working together toward a more secure and prosperous future for Afghanistan.”
The national grand council (Loya Jirga) approved the bilateral security agreement between Kabul and Washington on Sunday, and urged that the pact should be signed by the end of this year.
The bilateral security agreement will be discussed in both houses of the Afghan parliament after it received an overwhelming support and approval from the Loya Jirga.
At least 15,000 foreign troops may remain in Afghanistan once the deal has been finalized, which will primarily provide training and mentor to Afghan national security forces.
