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Immediate Release

Enhanced Honor Cordon for President and Chief Executive of Afghanistan, Followed by Remarks

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will host an enhanced honor cordon to welcome President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, to the Pentagon at 7:40 a.m. (EDT), Monday, March 23, 2015. At 8 a.m., in the Pentagon courtyard, Secretary Carter and President Ghani will make remarks to service members and veterans who have served in Afghanistan to thank them for their continued efforts and sacrifices.

Due to security requirements, journalists must choose to cover only one of these events. It will not be possible to cover both the cordon and the remarks.

The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance. Media must be at the River Entrance no later than 7 a.m. Media interested in audiovisual coverage of this event may contact Tom Masten at 703-697-2902.

Journalists who wish to cover the courtyard event must have all equipment pre-set on the press riser by 5:30 a.m. Journalists without equipment must be set by 7:15am. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only. If you plan to pre-set, you must arrive no later than 4:30 a.m. Have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

For any questions regarding the courtyard event, contact Tom Masten at 703-697-2902 or Henrietta Levin at 703-695-9455.