US WILL MAINTAIN STRONG PRESENCE IN INDO-PACIFIC, SAYS BIDEN

WASHINGTON: The US will “maintain a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific” just as it does with NATO in Europe, and it will retain an “over-the-horizon” capability as it leaves Afghanistan in September, President Joe Biden has said in his first address to a joint session of Congress.

In a 65-minute speech to a chamber sparsely populated in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, Biden recalled major accomplishments of his first 100 days in office such as a rescue plan and laid out his agenda for the remainder of his term. “America is on the move again,” he said, in a speech that was focused mostly on domestic issues.

Biden also spoke on key foreign policy issues such as America’s relations with China, the main competitor. “America will stand up to unfair trade practices that undercut American workers and industries,” he said.

WASHINGTON/BERLIN: US defence secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the drawdown of US activity in Afghanistan with Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday in a phone call.

“During the call, Secretary Austin reaffirmed the importance of the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan peace negotiations. Secretary Austin and General Bajwa also discussed the drawdown in Afghanistan,” a Pentagon press release said.

Meanwhile, the US officials asked the non-essential embassy staff to leave Kabul, citing increased threats. “The Department ordered the departure from US Embassy Kabul of US government employees whose functions can be performed elsewhere,” the US advisory said.

Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden announced the decision to withdraw troops from the country starting on that May 1 deadline, with the aim of completely withdrawing from Afghanistan by September 11.

‘Future aid will be linked to democratic standards’ Any future financial aid for Afghanistan will be conditional on democratic standards being upheld there, German foreign minister Heiko Maas said during a visit to Kabul on Thursday, as NATO troops are also set to launch their withdrawal from the country.