CRI听力:US-Afghan Security Deal Signed

The new Afghanistan government has signed-off on its long-awaited security deal with the United States, allowing about 10-thousand US troops to remain in the country beyond this year.

Newly sworn-in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

"This agreement is only and only for Afghanistan's security and the prosperity of Afghanistan and for defending against the dangers from organizations threatening us and the world."

James Cunningham is the current US ambassador to Afghanistan.

"The United States values its relationship with Afghanistan and the Afghan people; we are committed to a better future for Afghanistan. We are eager to work with president Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah and the new Afghan government to achieve more success in the coming years."

The security pact ends a year of uncertainty over the fate of US troops supporting Afghan security.

Former President Hamid Karzai refused to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement with the US, straining ties between the administrations.