U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter arrived in Afghanistan Friday for a holiday season visit to thank American troops for their service to the nation.

Carter is scheduled to receive an update on NATO and U.S. efforts to support Afghan security forces and meet with senior Afghan officials, including President Ashraf Ghani.

In addition to several engagements with U.S. troops deployed to Afghanistan, in meetings with Gen. John Nicholson, commander of NATO’s Resolute Support mission and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, and other senior officers, Carter hears their assessment on the security situation and international efforts to help the government of Afghanistan improve security in the country.

Carter also receives an update on recent, successful U.S. counter-terrorism efforts against al-Qaida and Islamic State in the country.

In his meetings with senior Afghan officials, Carter is expected to discuss the growing capabilities and resilience demonstrated by Afghan security forces in recent months. He will also discuss ongoing efforts to continue building Afghan combat capacity including aviation.

Carter is in the midst of a round-the-world trip to thank deployed U.S. troops for their service, meet with important regional partners, and advance U.S. priorities, including the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific and the lasting defeat of IS.

The trip has already included visits to U.S. ally Japan and to major defense partner India.  Carter is also scheduled to visit Bahrain, Israel, Italy and Britain.
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