But the ISAF and US were forbidden from crossing this same border).
"ISAF forces helped us and are here with me now," he said.
"It's not rocket science in how ISAF can assist us," said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about security issues.
"We discussed the urgency, in the wake of the attack on our embassy in Kabul and on the NATO ISAF headquarters, for us to confront the threat posed by the Haqqani network," she said, referring to the International Security Assistance Force.
At best, US and ISAF trainers are building a disembodied force, operationally independent from the machinations of the Karzais, the warlords, drug barons and tribal elders.
Sunday's ceremony marked the end of the US-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), which will transition to a supporting role starting on 1 January.
Under the heading "Clarifying the transition to Afghan lead", it says the US-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) is in the "stabilisation" phase – the third in a five-phase operational plan.The next phase is "transition" and the last is "redeployment", culminating in withdrawal.
Isaf was set up after the US-led invasion as an umbrella for the coalition of around 50 nations that provided troops and took responsibility for security across the country.
The minister also claimed that it would have limited effect because US troops, the biggest Isaf contingent by far, did not mentor small units.
Both the US ambassador here, James Cunningham, and the most senior US general, Isaf commander Joseph Dunford, have held lengthy talks at the presidential palace, investing time and energy in reaching an agreement.
If you've been reading us here, you already know ISAF's counter-insurgency strategy is a flaming wreck, and you already know what they're going to do about that.
