KABUL – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and an official Congressional delegation of U.S. Senators led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell met yesterday in Kabul, Afghanistan with Afghan President Hamid Karzai; U.S. Army General David Petraeus, the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan; U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry; and other top government and military leaders to discuss the progress of the war in Afghanistan.

Following a briefing by the officials, Sen. Moran visited the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) outside the city, where he met with U.S. soldiers, including Kansans. The senator thanked them for their service and sacrifices on behalf of our country. The Center’s mission is to recruit, equip and train the Afghan National Army. Additionally, Sen. Moran met with President Karzai to discuss the timeline for drawdown of U.S. and NATO troops.

“The report I hear from Kansans and our military commanders is that the situation in Afghanistan continues to improve, though it is clear to me progress is very, very difficult to achieve," Sen. Moran said. "There is a clear understanding by Afghan leaders that American forces will be significantly reduced by 2014 and American leadership is working to have the best security and economic conditions by that time.”

“I am thankful for the sacrifice and hard work of the Kansans I visited with, and all members of our Armed Forces. Their service is helping build a better life for Afghanis and protecting the United States," Sen. Moran continued. "It was an honor to spend time with Americans serving our country especially during Easter season. I left Afghanistan with great respect for their sacrifice and commitment."

This was Sen. Moran’s third trip to Afghanistan since the U.S. military began fighting the Taliban there in 2001. While there, he also received an update on the work of the about 60 Kansas Army and Air National Guard members serving on an Agribusiness Development Team in the Lagham Province who are helping farmers in Afghanistan increase agricultural production.

The ISAF, led by General Petraeus, is a coalition of countries under NATO command working to help the Afghan people establish a framework for the democratic rule of law. ISAF Provincial Teams are aiding Afghan authorities to strengthen institutions that will establish good governance and rule of law. Gen. Petraeus previously served as the Commanding General of Ft. Leavenworth.

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