WASHINGTON - Reiterating their firm commitment to Afghanistan, the United States President Donald Trump and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel have agreed to continue to work together in Afghanistan and against ISIS.
“I am very glad that the United States is intending to continue to commit to the Afghan mission as well. Together we fight against Islamist terrorism. Germany is going to step up its work and is going to continue its work in Afghanistan,” Merkel told reporters at a joint news conference with Trump at the White House on Friday.
Trump praised Germany’s role in Afghanistan. “I want to thank the chancellor for her leadership in supporting NATO and its efforts in Afghanistan. This has come at significant cost, including the lives of over 50 German soldiers whose sacrifice we greatly honor,” said the US President.
Most importantly, the two countries must continue to work together to protect our people from radical Islamic terrorism and to defeat ISIS.
“I applaud Chancellor Merkel for Germany's contributions, both civilian and military, as a counter-ISIS coalition member. We also recognize that immigration security is national security,” he said.
“We must protect our citizens from those who seek to spread terrorism, extremism and violence inside our borders. Immigration is a privilege, not a right, and the safety of our citizens must always come first without question,” Trump said. (Pajhwok)