Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, President Ashraf Ghani called on countries in the region to change their mind on the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and that it is the time for talks between regional nations and Afghanistan. 

“We now also have an opportunity for a dialogue with our neighbors on how we can work together earnestly to eliminate terrorism and contain extremism. I call upon Pakistan to engage with us on a comprehensive state to state dialogue on peace, security and regional cooperation leading to prosperity," he said.

He said the Taliban would not win through war and that there is a need for them to follow their goals through political ways.

"The strategy consolidates all instruments of American power, conveying a message that the Taliban and their backers cannot win militarily. Only through political settlement can we achieve enduring peace and I call upon all ranks of Taliban to engage in intra-Afghan dialogue," he added.

He said the roots of terrorism are outside Afghanistan’s borders.

"But this war is not within our soil, it is over our soil. Today, there are over 20 international terrorist groups with an imposed presence on Afghan soil. The future of Afghanistan matters because we are on the frontlines of the global effort to eradicate the threat of terrorism."

He said the Afghan government is committed to fighting the endemic corruption and strengthening the good governance.

He said Afghanistan’s relations were strengthened with the new US strategy. 

"With President Trump's recent announcement of his strategy to counter terror and stabilize South Asia, Afghanistan's enduring partnership with the United States and the international community has been renewed and redirected. We welcome this strategy, which has now set us on a pathway to certainty. The Afghan people have looked to the United States for this type of resolve for years," he said. 

"The strategy consolidates all instruments of American power, conveying a message that the Taliban and their backers cannot win militarily. Only through political settlement can we achieve enduring peace and I call upon all ranks of Taliban to engage in intra-Afghan dialogue," he added.