Before the meeting, both men sounded an optimistic note about the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops by 2014, and its impact on Afghan security.

 

　　US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta:

 

　　"After a long and difficult path, we finally are, I believe, at the last chapter of establishing an Afghanistan, a sovereign Afghanistan, that can govern and secure itself for the future."

 

　　Meanwhile, Karzai expressed confidence about his government's ability to provide security.

 

　　"I can assure you Mr. Secretary that Afghanistan will, with the help that you will provide, be able to provide security to its people and to protect its borders so Afghanistan will not ever again be threatened by terrorists from across our borders."

 

　　Karzai is due to meet with President Barack Obama on Friday. The two leaders are expected to discuss the details of the 2014 withdrawal of U.S. troops, particularly whether or not the U.S. plans to withdraw completely.

 

　　The White House said earlier that it has not ruled out a complete withdrawal, once the NATO combat mission ends at the end of 2014.

 

　　But some officials suggest seeking a post-2014 presence in Afghanistan.

 

　　Lawmakers in Afghanistan have expressed outrage over the possibility of a complete U.S. withdrawal, warning that such action could trigger a civil war.