Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta Statement on U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement

 “I strongly support the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by President Obama and President Karzai in Kabul.  This agreement affirms the long-term commitment of the United States to Afghanistan, and it is a further expression of our shared goal of defeating al Qaeda and its extremist affiliates.  It is a tangible sign of the strength and the resilience of the partnership that has been built between the United States and the Afghan people, and the significant progress that has been made by American, international and Afghan forces in building an Afghanistan that can secure and govern itself.  The transition to Afghan security lead has commenced and it is on track.

 “This partnership agreement reflects our common vision for a strong relationship that will continue beyond the end of the transition to Afghan security responsibility in 2014.  That we can look beyond this period of transition is a tribute to the significant gains our forces have made, and the extraordinary growth in capability of the Afghan National Security Forces.  The United States of America and Afghanistan are more secure today because of the service and sacrifices of these brave heroes, and we will be more secure thanks to the enduring partnership that President Obama and President Karzai have signed.  There will be more challenges ahead, but our strategy is succeeding.

 “I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to Ambassador Crocker and General Allen for their leadership in helping forge this agreement, and for their dedicated service to our nation.”