The Tripartite Commission, composed of senior military and diplomatic representatives from Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States, held its eleventh meeting in Kabul, Afghanistan today. It was Afghanistan’s turn to host the latest periodic exchange of the commission.

Director General for Military Operations Maj-Gen Mohammad Yousaf headed the Pakistani delegation, Afghan National Army Chief of Operations Lt. Gen. Sher
Mohammad Karimi headed the Afghan delegation, while Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry represented the Combined Forces Command—Afghanistan.

Delegations agreed to further expand cooperation in advance of the Afghan National Assembly and Provincial Council Elections on September 18, 2005. As a
demonstration of their commitment to improving cooperation and information sharing, the parties discussed steps to increase the effectiveness of the
Tripartite Commission and agreed to increasing the frequency of the meetings and expanding Afghanistan – Pakistan bilateral military contacts. The additional steps discussed within the Tripartite Commission are intended to improve the effectiveness of operations against Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, and to enhance regional stability.

The three delegations provided comprehensive presentations on recent operations and future plans. All parties recognize the successes and sacrifices that have been made to date by Pakistani, Afghan and Coalition militaries in fighting terrorism.

All participants stressed the importance of stability in Afghanistan, before and during the upcoming Afghanistan National Assembly and Provincial Council
Elections. All parties are committed to increasing security efforts in order to ensure the success of these historic elections. They recognized, in
particular, that stability in Afghanistan is in the national interest of Pakistan and other neighboring states.

The Tripartite Commission will meet again on 22 August 2005 in Islamabad.