KABUL, Afghanistan, April 13 (UPI) -- French troops have handed over security responsibilities in a district near Kabul to Afghan forces.
Officials said some French soldiers will remain in Surobi district to train their successors, Khaama Press reported.
"France remains committed to assist Afghanistan based on the long term strategic cooperation agreement which was signed between Kabul and Paris," Bernard Bajolet, the French ambassador to Afghanistan, said during the handover ceremony Thursday.
Surobi lies northeast of the capital on the Kabul River and the A1 highway in Kabul province. French troops have been deployed there since 2006.
Ahmadullah Alizai, the provincial governor, said he was confident the Afghan troops would provide security.
"The security transition process which is being witnessed in Surobi district is in process in the other provinces of Afghanistan as well and we are proud of the Afghan security forces," he said. "All the regions which have been transitioned to Afghan security forces are in a stable condition and the Afghan people are assisting the national security forces to bring further stability."
