US Secretary of States Hillary Clinton has announced President Obama’s recognition of Afganistan as the newest Non-NATO Ally with immediate effect. Clinton made a surprise visit to Kabul, met Afghan President Hamid Karzai and conveyed the announcement personally. Afghanistan is the 15th such country.
The new status conferred on Afganistan is considered a powerful symbol that preferred access to US arms export.
The announcement has been made by Clinton ahead of Tokyo Conference on Sunday, at which 70 nations participate. Afghan donors meet ahead of plans for NATO pull out in 2014.
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