US, Afghanistan Plan for Military Relationship After 2014

February 23, 2011

Defense Secretary Robert Gates greets Afghanistan Defense Minister of National Defense Abdul Rahim Wardak at the Pentagon, February 23, 2011

This was the first meeting of what the two defense ministers hope will become a regular strategic dialogue between their departments. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the goal is to establish the foundation for defense relations beyond the 2014 target date for completing the transition to full Afghan government responsibility for security in the country.

“We hope this inaugural meeting of the Security Consultation Forum is an important milestone in our relationship," said Gates. "And we hope it will serve as a regular means for providing important strategic direction to our relationship.”

Gates said the dialogue will set shared expectations and goals for the U.S.-Afghan defense relationship and will demonstrate the two governments are committed to “putting Afghanistan on a path toward stability and security.”

As the meeting opened, Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak endorsed the concept, and the need for some sort of continuing defense relationship after the transition to full Afghan responsibility.

“We do strongly believe that for Afghanistan to be able to survive in that very volatile region it will need your help beyond 2014,” said Wardak.