The President met earlier today in the Oval Office with Ambassador
Ryan Crocker to receive an update on the situation in Afghanistan and
to thank the Ambassador for his superb leadership of the United
States’ efforts in Afghanistan over the past year. Ambassador Crocker
has served at a critical time, and thanks to his work, the United
States – together with the Afghan government, and our NATO-ISAF
partners – has cemented a long-term partnership with the Afghan people
that allows us to responsibly wind down the war as the Afghan
Government stands up to take full responsibility for their security
and sovereignty. Ambassador Crocker’s tireless and passionate focus on
achieving our objective in Afghanistan has kept us safer and more
secure, and completes another chapter in an unmatched career of
diplomatic service in the most challenging postings. Ambassador
Crocker will depart his role as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan
with the President’s, and the nation’s, great thanks and admiration.