Economic and political support also will continue in Afghanistan. The statement came from US President Joe Biden before his meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the White House reported.

Before the talks, which was also attended by Afghanistan High Commission for National Reconciliation Chair Abdullah Abdullah, Biden said: “Well, it’s good to see two old friends. We met many, many times in Afghanistan for long hours. And they’re welcome here. They’ve had a chance to meet with the—all the major players of the administration—from the Secretary of Defense, to the CIA—across the board. And it’s good to have them here in the White House.”

Biden noted that the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan does not end the partnership between Afghanistan and the United States, on the contrary, it will continue in the context of economic and political assistance, as well as support for the Afghan armed forces.

“They’re doing important work of trying to bring about unity among Afghan leaders up—across the board. And—and they have to—Afghans are going to have to decide their future of what they—what they want. What they want. But it won’t be for lack of us being a help. There’s going to be a—and the senseless violence that has to stop, but it’s going to be very difficult. But we’re going to stick with you. And we’re going to do our best to see to it you have the tools you need,” Biden added.

For his part, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani thanked the Americans for their service to Afghanistan with "honor and dignity." He also thanked the US leadership, noting that the US" has not spared any effort in blood or treasure" over the years.

Ghani called Biden's decision to withdraw the US troops as “historic”. This decision, he stressed, has “made everybody recalculate and reconsider.”

“We are entering into a new chapter of our relationship where the partnership with the United States would not be military, but comprehensive, regarding our mutual interest. And we’re very encouraged and satisfied that this partnership is taking place,” he added. 

“We’re determined to have unity, coherence, national sense of sacrifice, and will not spare anything. Just for your information: Today, the Afghan Defense and Security Forces have retaken six districts, both in the south and the north. It’s showing our determination,” Ghani stated.

He Afghan president stressed that "in moments of great transition, things happen," but all odds will overcome.