KABUL - The crucial Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) and Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) have been signed by newly inducted National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar, U.S. Ambassador James B. Cunningham and NATO Ambassador to Afghanistan Maurits R. Jochems in Kabul at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday.

Within 24 hours of taking office, President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai has fulfilled his promises of signing both critical agreements, which will allow the presence of U.S. and foreign forces in Afghanistan post-2014.

Speaking at the signing event, President Ghani stressed that endorsing these agreements do not and will not pose a threat to the neighboring countries.

"We [Afghanistan and the international community] face the same threats, which is why we have the same interests," Ghani said. "I thank [former] President Hamid Karzai for looking into all the details of these agreements."

He emphasized that the agreements have been approved by the Loya Jirga and added that, if needed, the terms of the agreements can be modified with the consideration of both sides.

"I assure the nation that these agreements are in our national interest."

Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who also attended the event, addressed the audience stressing the same importance Ghani did stating that the authorization of the agreements do not pose threats to the neighboring countries.

He also added that before inking the accord that careful consideration was given to ensure that national interest is not compromised.

Both U.S. Ambassador Cunningham and NATO Ambassador Jochems thanked former National Security Advisor Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta on his efforts negotiating the agreements.

Cunningham said that the BSA is crucial to securing Washington's continued support to Afghanistan, emphasizing that the relations between the two countries are imperative.

"This agreement is not only important for Afghanistan, also for the region," Cunningham said at the event.

Jochems added that the NATO forces will play a non-combat advisory role to Afghanistan.

Late last year, neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran raised apprehensions on Afghanistan signing off on the BSA.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour said early December 2013 that the BSA "will damage the Afghan government and national interest in the long-term."

During the same time Rahimpour publicized his opposition of the BSA, former Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan Rustam Shah Mumand asserted that "as long as the foreign troops stay in Afghanistan, relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan will not change for the better."

The security agreements will provide a legal framework for the U.S. and NATO's presence in Afghanistan post-2014. (Tolo News)