Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:

The inauguration of President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai today marks the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan’s history. This is truly an historic moment, made possible by the millions of Afghans who turned out to vote in April and June.

President Karzai has led Afghanistan skilfully through a turbulent time in the country’s history, and we are committed to working with his successor, President Ghani, his Chief Executive Dr Abdullah and the government of national unity to help improve the lives of all Afghans.

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