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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, provincial leaders and coalition forces gathered for a dinner celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, the Muslim holiday signifying the end Ramadan, Sept. 6.
Special guest speaker, Ryan Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, and Maj. Gen. Daniel Allyn, the Regional Command East commander, spoke about the progress and future of Afghan security.
“As the new American ambassador, this is a great opportunity for me to meet a number of distinguished provincial governors and Afghan security officials,” said Crocker.
Approximately 200 guests attended the event which featured traditional Afghan music and cuisine, followed by speeches from Crocker, Allyn and RC-East senior civilian representative, Paul Folmsbee.
“Tonight we strengthen the partnerships that we have developed through continued efforts to eliminate the enemies of the people of Afghanistan, to strengthen the Afghan security forces, and to help expand the local, provincial and national government’s capacity,” said Allyn. “We trust that this celebration will help us build broader and deeper bonds of mutual understanding, respect and cooperation as we work together in the year to come."
Along with the camaraderie developed through dining and conversation, the ANSF’s progress towards the security take over in Afghanistan, scheduled for 2014, was a key topic of discussion.
“In July, seven areas successfully transitioned into an Afghan security lead, and more areas will be announced for transition soon,” said Crocker.
“A secure, sovereign, increasingly self-reliant Afghanistan that is free of al-Qaida and other terrorist safe havens is our mission and our aim,” he said.
Folmsbee also acknowledged the importance of transition, saying the perseverance and increased capability of Afghan soldiers and government officials has them poised to lead efforts to secure the country while enabling the government to make progress in other key areas.
“For transition marks the start of a new era, a time for Afghanistan to take greater leadership of its security, and of the governance and development initiatives that will lay foundations for prosperity and stability. We, the international community, are your committed partners in this process,” said Folmsbee.
Crocker emphasized this continued partnership will sustain Afghanistan’s progress as the nation moves forward.
“There are many challenges and hard fighting ahead. We will face these challenges together,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 09.06.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2011 02:54 |
| Story ID: | 76720 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Regional Command-East celebrates end of Ramadan, by PFC Zackary Root, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
