Toomey Visits Afghanistan, Pakistan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On a conference call with reporters today from Kabul, Afghanistan, Senator Pat Toomey talked about his trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan with six other members of Congress.

“The purpose of this trip was to become familiar with our efforts in both Afghanistan and Pakistan and to learn from our commanders on the field, our embassy officials and some of the people we are working with in these countries. It was also an opportunity to make it clear to the leaders in both Islamabad and Kabul that we’re committed to success here and to discuss some of the things they need to do to make sure we’re successful.”

“It is truly amazing what the American servicemen and women are doing in Afghanistan. The caliber, the talent, the dedication and the ability of our troops are incredibly impressive, and there is no question that they are doing a terrific job and making tremendous progress. The big challenge now, as we continue to clear the remaining difficult areas in Afghanistan, is making sure there is an actively trained Afghan army, police force and other governmental institutions to be able to sustain the progress we have made.”

Sen. Toomey left Washington, D.C., Jan. 13 and will be returning to Pennsylvania Jan. 18. During their trip, the senators met with U.S. troops, military officials and political leaders to discuss political, economic and security issues in the region. In addition to meeting with Pennsylvania troops, Sen. Toomey met with General David Petraeus, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Pakistani General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, chief of army staff of the Pakistan army.

Sen. Toomey was joined by Minority Leader McConnell (Ky.), Senator Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Senator Richard Burr (N.C.), Senator Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Senator Ron Johnson (Wis.) and Senator Marco Rubio (Fla.).