UK defense minister reaffirms support for Afghanistan during visit

AVA- During the visit, Williamson met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, discussing regional issues, funding and equipping of Afghan forces, Afghan-led and Afghan owned peace process and joint fight against terrorism, according to a statement from Ghani’s office.
Ghani praised UK’s support to Afghanistan particularly under the NATO’s Resolute Support Mission.
For his part, Williamson praised Afghan forces’ efforts in the fight against terrorism and assured that his country would continue to support and cooperate for lasting peace and stability.
During the visit, the visiting minister also met with Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah who called for pressuring Pakistan to stop supporting terrorists.
UK recently deployed hundreds of troops to Afghanistan after a request from U.S. President Donald Trump for reinforcements to help tackle the fragile security situation in the country.
In meeting with Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib, the UK minister vowed efforts to increase Afghan forces’ capabilities particularly the air force.