KABUL - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Monday said his visit to the US was highly productive in terms of renewal of bilateral relations and rebuilding trust.

Last week, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and the CEO, heading a 70-member delegation, visited the US for the first time since the formation of the national unity government.

Addressing a cabinet meeting, Abdullah said the US had agreed to maintain its current troop level at 9,800 through the end of 2015 to support Afghan forces in terms of training and advice.

Around 10,000 American soldiers were supposed to leave Afghanistan in the beginning of 2015. The US was also asked for funds to support the Afghan forces, he added, hoping it would get approved by Congress.

Defence and foreign ministries’ officials from countries would re-launch the bilateral commission and security consultative forum to discuss Afghan energy issues, Abdullah said.

According to the CEO, the US announced the launch of a $800 million New Development Partnership with Afghanistan as part of the effort to give a new direction to the bilateral relationship.   

The CEO said talks on issues including good governance, human rights and peace negotiations with the Taliban also took place during the week-long trip. (Pajhwok)