WASHINGTON - US president Barack Obama has signed an executive order to create a temporary organization named “Afghanistan and Pakistan Strategic Partnership Office” aimed at promoting further security and stabilization in the two South Asian states.

The office has been established within the US State Department to coordinate the final drawdown of the department’s civilian field operations and staff in Afghanistan.

To be based in Washington, Islamabad and Kabul, the office would also promote transitioning to a normalized diplomatic presence in the two countries, Obama’s executive order stated on Friday.

Obama said the Afghanistan- Pakistan Strategic Partnership Office would support agencies in transitioning to a strategic partnership with the governments of the two countries in economic, diplomatic, cultural, technology and security fields, particularly in areas of programme management, rule of law, and oversight. (Pajhwok)