US, NATO pledge support for Afghanistan in fight against terror

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States have said they will not abandon Afghanistan.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and US Defense Secretary James Mattis at the news conference after holding closed door meeting, and reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to Afghanistan, saying ‘NATO wants to ensure the country doesn’t become a safe haven for terrorists again’.
“We will not abandon Afghanistan to a merciless enemy trying to kill its way to power,” Mattis said. The secretary praised the accomplishments of the Afghan security forces since they assumed responsibility for the nation two years ago. “With our new conditions-based South Asian strategy, we will be better postured to support you as you turn the tide against the terrorists,” he said.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that the United States will stand by his country through thick and thin.
It was Mattis’ first visit to Kabul since President Donald J. Trump announced the new South Asian strategy Aug. 21.