Korean ambassador visits, announces funding commitment

Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Egdanis Torres Sierra | Students from the Counter Improvised Explosive Device training center at the Central Training Center – Kabul demonstrate techniques to Korean Ambassador Chin Ki Hoon. Hoon visited the training center to evaluate the progress of the counter-IED training, funded by the Republic of Korea. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Egdanis Torres Sierra, Combined Security Transition Command CSTC–A Public Affairs)  

AFGHANISTAN

01.19.2017

Story by Lt.j.g. Egdanis Torres Sierra 

Resolute Support Headquarters

Korean ambassador visits, announces funding commitment
Story and Photos by Lt. j.g. Egdanis Torres Sierra
Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 18 2017) — Korean ambassador Chin Ki Hoon visited the Counter Improvised Explosive Device program here last week, where he addressed senior Afghan leaders regarding their countries’ relationship and similarities.

The counter-IED training, which is funded by the Republic of Korea, is central to establishing an effective, self-sustained Afghan force.

“Korea has struggled with Wars and poverty, as you have, for so long. I want the people of Afghanistan to know that we sympathize with them. We want peace for this country, not war,” Korean Ambassador Chin Ki Hoon told Afghan leadership.

Hoon evaluated the progress Afghan forces have made in the program, and reaffirmed his country’s dedication to Afghanistan.

“We will greatly continue our support for the peace of Afghanistan. I cannot stress enough the importance of the counter IED training. Here, they are learning not to kill but how to save lives,” Hoon said.

As of today, 2,217 Afghan security force members have been trained and certified – including four Afghan National Police women, the first Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Improvised Explosive Device Disposal female instructors ever at the Central Training Center – Kabul, where the training takes place.

“It has been a long year of training. This job brings many challenges and even threats but I still waking up every morning loving my job and even more, loving to serve my country,” said 2nd Lt. Hakima Ahmadzada, Female ANP cadre.

More than 50 female Afghan police have attended IED Awareness and IED Awareness train-the-trainer courses.

“I noticed there are female instructors. That is another development we welcome and fully endorse,” Hoon expressed.

The visit ambassador’s visit helped validate the efficient use of donor funds to the people of Korea and wider international community, explained Australian Lt. Col. Iain Watt, NATO chief international engagement officer.

Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan Counter IED Directorate provides the Afghan National Defense Security Forces with initial training to operate in in an environment with explosive hazards. The training also includes train-the-trainer courses in order to develop a capable and self-sustaining national security force.

• Date Taken: 01.19.2017
• Date Posted: 02.03.2017 05:04
• Story ID: 221785
• Location: AF