Top US diplomat visits Kabul, reaffirms support to Afghanistan

A top American diplomat today visited Kabul to reaffirm the Trump administration's strong support to Afghanistan after a series of horrific terrorist attacks in the war-torn country, according to an official statement.
On January 20, Taliban men armed with Kalashnikovs and suicide vests attacked the landmark Intercontinental Hotel and killed around 25 people, going from room to room searching for foreigners during the more than 12-hour ordeal.
The hotel attack was followed by a Taliban-claimed ambulance bombing on January 27 in the Afghan capital that claimed over 100 lives.
Deputy Secretary of State John J Sullivan's visit to Kabul underscores the US' commitment to working with the government and the Afghan people to bring peace, security, and sustained economic growth to Afghanistan and the region, the official statement said.

"Sullivan held meetings in Kabul to reaffirm the United States' support for Afghanistan at this difficult time, and discuss joint efforts to achieve the objectives of the South Asia strategy and set the conditions for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict," the statement said.
During his visit, Sullivan met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, and other government leaders to discuss security cooperation.

He also discussed the importance of holding timely, credible, and inclusive parliamentary and presidential elections; and continued reforms designed to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous future for the Afghan people.

Sullivan also engaged young leaders of civil society, members of the media, business leaders, individuals from across the political spectrum, and leaders of efforts to build foundations for peace to explore how the United States can help Afghans create a better future for themselves.
The continued attacks in Afghanistan by the Taliban prompted severe condemnation from the US as well as the UN Security Council, which have sought to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack.
US President Donald Trump also asked all countries to take decisive action against the Taliban and the terrorist infrastructure that supported them.