US welcomes Korean decision to send 300 troops to Afghanistan

The Obama administration has welcomed the decision of South Korea to send 300 troops and police to Afghanistan to protect an expanded civilian reconstruction team in the troubled country.

The Obama administration has welcomed the decision of South Korea to send 300 troops and police to Afghanistan to protect an expanded civilian reconstruction team in the troubled country.

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"This is an important contribution to the international effort in Afghanistan and to fostering reconstruction and stability in the region," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement.

Gibbs said the US welcome the Korea's announcement to expand its assistance to Afghanistan by establishing a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in addition to the Medical and Vocational Training Team that Seoul is already operating.

Confidant that this assistance will be of great value to Afghanistan, the State Department said it reflects Seoul's growing commitment to address problems of global concern.

"The government of the ROK (Republic of Korea) has stated that it made this decision in response to the government of Afghanistan's request for assistance. The Korean government made its own determination regarding the assistance it can provide," the State Department said.