Trump, Ghani discuss strategic partnership

U.S. President Donald Trump in a telephonic conversation with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani emphasised the importance of the U.S.-Afghanistan strategic partnership.

"President Trump today spoke with President Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and emphasized the ongoing importance of the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership and his support for the National Unity Government," said a White House statement.

"The leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship in areas such as security, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic development. President Trump looks forward to continuing a regular dialogue with President Ghani," the statement added.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Presidential Palace of Afghanistan said that during the conversation, Ghani said the Afghan Defense and Security Forces have went through a 'difficult' phase and that NATO's Resolute Support and the U.S. forces have cooperated with their Afghan partners in mainlining security as well as combat against terrorism in the country.

According to the press release, the two sides agreed that teams from the two countries will discuss and work on the issues which were mentioned by the leaders in the telephonic conversation.