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Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2020

February 28, 2020

Nearly 19 years ago, American servicemembers went to Afghanistan to root out the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks. In that time, we have made great progress in Afghanistan, but at great cost to our brave servicemembers, to the American taxpayers, and to the people of Afghanistan. When I ran for office, I promised the American people I would begin to bring our troops home, and seek to end this war. We are making substantial progress on that promise.

Soon, at my direction, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will witness the signing of an agreement with representatives of the Taliban, while Secretary of Defense Mark Esper will issue a joint declaration with the Government of Afghanistan. If the Taliban and the Government of Afghanistan live up to these commitments, we will have a powerful path forward to end the war in Afghanistan and bring our troops home. These commitments represent an important step to a lasting peace in a new Afghanistan, free from Al Qaeda, ISIS, and any other terrorist group that would seek to bring us harm. Ultimately, it will be up to the people of Afghanistan to work out their future. We therefore urge the Afghan people to seize this opportunity for peace and a new future for their country.

I thank the hundreds of thousands of American warriors who have proudly served in Afghanistan. We have killed or captured many ISIS and Al Qaeda terrorists. We honor your service and the sacrifices you and your families have made for the American people. These agreements are a result of the strenuous efforts of those who fought so hard in Afghanistan for the United States of America.

NOTE: The statement referred to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist organization.

Categories: Statements by the President : Afghanistan, United States-Taliban peace agreement. Names: Esper, Mark T.; Pompeo, Michael R.

Subjects: Afghanistan : Reconciliation efforts; Afghanistan : Relations with U.S.; Afghanistan :

U.S. military forces :: Deployment; Armed Forces, U.S. : Servicemembers :: Service and dedication; Defense, Department of : Secretary; Foreign policy, U.S. : Peace efforts, expansion; State, Department of : Secretary; Terrorism : Al Qaida terrorist organization; Terrorism : Counterterrorism efforts; Terrorism : Global threat; Terrorism : Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist organization; Terrorism : September 11, 2001, attacks.

DCPD *Number: *DCPD202000106.

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