Obama established Af-Pak strategic partnership office

Ahead of the drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, US President Barack Obama announced to establish an Af-Pak Strategic Partnership Office (APSPO) on 18 January 2014. The objective is to oversee smooth transition and promote normalised diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

APSPO has been tasked to perform the specific project of supporting executive departments and agencies in facilitating a partnership with the two South Asian countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

APSPO will be a temporary office and would be based in Washington, Islamabad and Kabul. It would promote security and stabilisation and transitioning to a normalised diplomatic presence in both the countries.

The office will also aid in coordinating the final drawdown of the Department of State’s civilian field operations and staff in Afghanistan.

Besides, it will also support agencies in transitioning to a partnership with the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the economic, diplomatic, cultural, technology, and security fields. It will be particularly in the areas of program management, rule of law, and program oversight.