Afghanistan and the United States began a first round of discussions in Kabul on Thursday on how to ensure security once foreign troops leave in 2014, reported dpa.
The talks are to cover the future status of US soldiers in the country, possible joint operations, as well as training and assistance for Afghan forces after 2014, when NATO and US forces are set to end combat operations.
"The negotiations will also determine the manner of the United States' security presence in Afghanistan and defence cooperation after the transformation process in 2014," said Eklil Hakimi, the Afghan ambassador to the US who is leading the negotiation team for Afghanistan.
The US team is headed by James Warlick, deputy representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Hakimi said the talks would take into account the Afghan constitution, as well as issues of nation interests and sovereignty.
A previous agreement commits the US to assist Afghanistan until at least 2024.