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Afghanistan

Norway announces 50% increase in assistance to Afghanistan

President Karzai received Tuesday at the Presidential Palace Jonas Gahr Stoere, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who announced an increase of fifty percent in his country's assistance to Afghanistan. Minister Stoere is leading a high level delegation to visit Afghanistan.

Various issues of mutual concern including security in Afghanistan and the region, and the fight against terrorism and extremism were the topics discussed.

Minister Stoere pointed at last evening's terrorist attack at the Serena hotel and said the incident highlighted the need for the international community to stand even more committed and determined in fighting the menace of terrorism that poses a serious threat against security in Afghanistan, the region and the world at large.

Minister Stoere urged that it was very important for international community to continue to stand by the people of Afghanistan in their efforts for peace, security, economic prosperity and especially training and equipping the National Army.

Supporting the Afghan Government's efforts, he added, "Norway stays committed and will double its assistance, to be spent in close coordination with Afghan state institutions. "Norway will continue to help the people of Afghanistan as long as needed." the Minister continued.

President Karzai thanked the people of Norway for their assistance to the consolidation of security and reconstruction in Afghanistan.