WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump has discussed the current situation in Afghanistan with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the telephone, the White House said on Thursday.
The readout of the call between the two leaders gains significance, given the Trump administration's ongoing review of its Afghan policy. Little is known so far about the new US stance on the conflict.
“The leaders discussed several issues of mutual concern and interest, including the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the situation in Afghanistan," a statement from White House said. They pledged close cooperation and coordination on these and other issues.
The United States currently has more than 8,000 troops stationed in Afghanistan and the White House as part of its review is exploring the possibilities of increasing the troop level in Afghanistan.
Of late, top US Commanders in Afghanistan have described the situation in the country as a stalemate, where the Taliban are believed to have gained ground.
Trump and Merkel also discussed the Afghan situation at their White House meeting last month. Trump had praised Germany’s role in Afghanistan. (Pajhwok)