Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had a telephonic conversation on Tuesday night with US Vice President Mike Pence and discussed several issues including the new US strategy for Afghanistan, the Presidential Palace said in a statement.

According to the statement both sides discussed the new strategy and its impact on the region’s general situation. They also discussed strengthening the security and defense institutions of the country, the fight against terrorism, bring about reforms, the fight against corruption, the peace process and the scheduled elections. 

Pence assured Ghani that the US government and its people will continue to stand by the Afghan government and people, the statement said. 

In response Ghani expressed his gratitude to the US and emphasized the ongoing need for engagement between the two sides.

Pence also praised the Afghan security forces for their courage and sacrifices in fighting terrorism in the country. 

The statement said both sides discussed cooperation between the two countries and called cooperation effective in sustaining stability and development in Afghanistan and the region. 

This comes Ghani and Pence discussed the four-year security plan for the Afghan government and other issues in a video conference in July.

At that time Pence said the Afghan government has made significant achievements in various sectors during the last two and a half years and that these efforts were admirable.