John McCain Praises Obama For Afghanistan Trip

John McCain Praises Obama

John McCain is "pleased" to learn about President Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan. Obama arrived in Kabul on Tuesday, the eve of the anniversary Osama bin Laden's death, to meet with President Hamid Karzai about the presence of U.S. troops in the country. He will deliver a televised address from Afghanistan at 7:30 p.m. ET.

McCain released a statement praising Obama for his commitment to a "a secure and free Afghanistan":

“I am pleased that the President has traveled to Afghanistan. This is a significant opportunity for him to hear directly from our military commanders and troops on the ground about the significant progress we are making in this fight.

“It is also important because President Obama and President Karzai will announce the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement, which will define the long-term political, economic, and military commitment between our countries. While I will carefully examine the details of this agreement, I am hopeful that it will send a signal to friends and enemies in the region that the United States is committed to a secure and free Afghanistan.

“I hope the President's speech tonight will emphasize the degree of our commitment in Afghanistan, rather than the plans for withdrawal. I would urge the President to return from this visit and spend more time speaking directly with the American people about the vital national security interests at stake in Afghanistan and the need for the United States to remain strongly engaged there in the years ahead.”

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