The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) on Tuesday hosted the graduation ceremony of 119 students at a ceremony attended by Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and the US Ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Abdullah said the graduates will play a crucial role in development of the country. 

“This is really a happy moment. A happy moment for us as citizen of this country, for the students as those who are taking responsibilities for the future of this country, for the faculty members and all those who have made efforts and I would like to thank the private sector for its role and for its contributions,” Abdullah said. 

Addressing the event, the National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib said Kabul and Washington relations has been built based on sacrifices.

“Throughout this ongoing process of development and reconstruction, we are grateful for the unwavering support of our international partners, particularly the United States. Our partnership with the US and our other international allies is one forged in blood, sweat and sacrifices,” Mohib said. 

The US Ambassador to Kabul John Bass meanwhile told reporters that the United States will continue its support to Afghanistan to help the Afghans make a better future. 

“Let me talk about the reason why I am here today which is to celebrate another proud moment in the further development of this country and the potential of its people. The United States very much wants this country to succeed and help Afghans create a future Afghanistan in which everyone can live in peace and dignity,” Bass said. 

A number of graduates were those who survived an attack by the Taliban on the university back in 2016. They said a number of their classmates lost their lives in theattack. 

“We were 40 students in the class of which 35 of us were held as hostages and five of us lost their lives at that night in the incident. Although, they (Taliban) wanted to stop us from learning, but they failed and today we gained our bachelor’s degrees from the university,” said Nilab, an AUAF student.  

The AUAF was founded in 2006. Currently, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in four departments, including political science, computer science, business administration and law.