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Trump touts alliances with Ukraine, Afghanistan on final day at U.N.

By Doug G. Ware
President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Thursday. Photo courtesy the White House
President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Thursday. Photo courtesy the White House

Sept. 21 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump opened his final day at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday by talking with leaders from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Thursday morning, Trump praised his conferences with Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

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"We are working very well together," Trump said of Ghani, noting the ongoing U.S. military support in Afghanistan. "Great progress is being made."

Recently, Trump committed to sending 3,000 more troops to Afghanistan to bolster the training and advisory role the U.S. military is filling there.

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"You made this decision on the basis of courage and determination. We salute you," Ghani told Trump.

"I have heard ... the spirit [of U.S. and Afghan troops] is tremendous over there," Trump added.

Trump spoke with Poroshenko about ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

"Ukraine is coming along pretty well," Trump told reporters.

The president continues to be a focus at the U.N. General Assembly after his fiery address on Tuesday criticized North Korea and leader Kim Jong Un. Wednesday, he met with British Prime Minister Theresa May and leaders from the Middle East.

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Trump also met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, his two primary allies in the standoff with North Korea, in the afternoon.

"Prioritizing diplomacy and emphasizing the importance of dialogue will not work with North Korea," Abe wrote in The New York Times this week. "History shows that concerted pressure by the entire international community is essential."

Trump will also meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday. Trump and the Turkish leader will meet at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel later Thursday afternoon.

After his meetings, Trump will return to his golf resort in Bedminster, N.J. Friday, he travels to Alabama to campaign for Sen. Luther Strange.

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