WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, were in Afghanistan the past two days visiting with U.S. troops and U.S. Embassy personnel, as well as meeting the leaders of the new Afghan government. The Senators were the first members of Congress to meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.

The Senators spent time with servicemembers and constituents in Kabul and Bagram Air Field to discuss their mission and thank them for their service and dedication. They also met with Afghan special forces at Camp Moorehead and spent time with Ambassador McKinley and International Security Assistance Force Commander General Campbell to hear the latest on the political and security situation, as well as the military mission in Afghanistan.

In meetings with President Ghani, Dr. Abdullah, and Minister of Defense Mohammadi, the Senators thanked the officials for signing the Bilateral Security Agreement so quickly, discussed economic and security challenges, and explored ways the U.S. can continue to work with Afghanistan to sustain progress through an enduring partnership. Senators Kaine and King were encouraged to see the new government’s swift progress in beginning to implement its reform agenda. The Senators also thanked President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah for their historic decision to form a unity government in the interests of all Afghans. 

During dinner with Afghan civil society members, the Senators were heartened to hear about the numerous advances in Afghan society over the past 13 years, especially in the health and education fields, and for Afghan women.

Senators King and Kaine traveled to Afghanistan following a four-day visit to India that included stops in New Delhi and Mumbai.

Senators King and Kaine with a group of troops and civilians from Maine and Virginia who are assigned to the ISAF Joint Command in Kabul.

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