The US Vice President Mike Pence spoke with President Ashraf Ghani by phone on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the White House.

The two leaders discussed the impact of President Trump's South Asia strategy over the past year. Pence and Ghani discussed the current security situation in Afghanistan and efforts to initiate a peace process, the statement said.

Pence reinforced the US and international commitment to partner with and support the Afghan government and security forces. 

“The Vice President and President Ghani also discussed the upcoming parliamentary elections that are scheduled for this fall and the need for political inclusion to enable the long-term stability and effectiveness of the Afghan government,” it added.

In the meantime, Ghani also tweeted that: “I spoke to @VP Pence this evening. We discussed the impact of President Trump’s South Asia strategy, peace process and upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. VP Pence reiterated the US’ commitment to support the Afghan government and ANDSF.”

This comes after the Taliban increased their attacks in different part of the country and ramped up attacks on Afghan security forces.

It also comes in the wake of the recent attack on Ghazni city.  

Last week, Ghani’s National Security Advisor Haneef Atmar unexpectedly resigned from his post over what he said was due to "serious differences over policies and approaches at the top level of government."

He said he differed in opinion "when it comes to national unity, national consensus, peace and security political management, electoral affairs, good governance and regional affairs." 

Atmar also stated that "because of my differences of these things in recent months I am stepping down because we haven’t reached a consensus.”

Ghani introduced Hamdullah Mohib as the new national security advisor early this week.