Governor Cuomo Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is among a bipartisan delegation of governors visiting Afghanistan this weekend on the invitation of U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

The governor's press office released a statement on Saturday at about the time Cuomo was arriving in Afghanistan. It said the Governor had received "a series of briefings from senior U.S. Department of Defense officials on counter-terrorism issues, the evolving global threats that affect New York’s security at home, and other matters."

“During a period of heightened security concerns, we are working closely with our federal partners to increase preparedness at home in New York and protect our citizens from the threat of global terrorism. At the same time, we must never forget the continuing courage and sacrifice of the members of our military serving overseas, who have dedicated their lives to defending our country,” said Governor Cuomo.

Currently, 900 soldiers from Fort Drum's 10th Mountain Division and 270 members of the New York National Guard are deployed in Afghanistan.

Before arriving in Afghanistan Saturday, Governor Cuomo visited Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where he met with wounded service members.

Other governors on the trip, which could not be disclosed in advance due to security issues, are Governor William Haslam (Tennessee), Governor Jay Nixon (Missouri), and Governor Brian Sandoval (Nevada).