Afghanistan Signs Security Pact With U.S., NATO

Deal Will Allow 12,000 Foreign Troops to Stay in Afghanistan, New Missions Will Train Afghan Forces

A day after Afghanistan's new President Ashraf Ghani took office, security pacts were concluded between the country and the U.S. and NATO. WSJ's Margherita Stancati reports. Photo: Getty

KABUL—The new Afghan government concluded crucial security pacts with the U.S. and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on Tuesday, paving the way for about 12,000 foreign troops to remain in the country after year's end and ensuring that aid money keeps flowing to Kabul.

The long-delayed agreements were signed a day after President Ashraf Ghani took office, marking his administration's first major act and ushering in improved ties with Afghanistan's international backers.