AlHijjah 5, 1435, Sep 29, 2014, SPA -- The United States Monday congratulated Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on the occasion of Ghani's inauguration. "I have known both of them for many years, and they are both patriots committed to the success of their country," US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. "Never has that been more evident than in the spirit of cooperation and partnership that united them in establishing a government of national unity to fulfill Afghan aspirations for peace, prosperity and stability." Kerry also recognized former President Hamid Karzai for his contributions to "democracy, development, and security."