The United States Secretary Antony Blinken has discussed strategies to reduce violence in Afghanistan in a rapidly evolving security situation with Canadian and German counterparts and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. the State Department said in a statement Thursday.  Accordingly, Blinken spoke with Canadian Foreign Minister Garneau, German Foreign Minister Maas, and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg to discuss with them the United States’ plans to reduce our civilian footprint in Kabul in light of the evolving security situation.

Secretary Blinken emphasized that the United States remains committed to maintaining a strong diplomatic and security relationship with the Government of Afghanistan and working with Allies.  In each call, Secretary Blinken and his counterpart exchanged views on the security environment in Afghan, the instant urgency of curbing violence, and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Blinken affirmed that the United States remained committed to supporting a political solution to the conflict,” the statement added.

Earlier on Thursday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the US was set to reduce the diplomatic corps in Afghanistan by August 31. Some 3,000 U.S troops will be temporarily deployed in Kabul to facilitate the evacuation.

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