Pact signed to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan past 2014

A highly anticipated security agreement is signed to allow American troops to stay in Afghanistan past the end of the year.

Guests at the presidential palace witnessed Afghan national security adviser Hanif Atmar and U.S. Ambassador James Cunningham put pen to paper.

...Extending a partnership, and filling a campaign promise by newly inaugurated President Ashraf Ghani.

(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) AFGHAN PRESIDENT, ASHRAF GHANI; SAYING:

"As an independent country and understanding of our national interests, we signed this agreement for stability, goodwill and prosperity of our people, stability of the region and the world."

Twelve-thousand foreign military personnel are now expected to keep their boots on Afghan soil past 2014.

That's when the combat mission of Afghanistan's U.S.-led NATO force is slated to end.

U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, James Cunningham:

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S AMBASSADOR TO AFGHANISTAN, JAMES CUNNINGHAM, SAYING:

"Ou