President Karzai congratulated President Roh on the safe return of the hostages and thanked people of Korea and families of the hostages for exercising patience during the hard and very sensitive moments when their beloved were in captivity.

President Karzai expressed deep condolences to President Roh and the families of the two victims, killed by the Taliban.

In the telephone conversation, President Karzai called hostage taking and abuse of foreign guests especially women against Islam and the Afghan culture and this heinous act by the Taliban is obvious enmity with the people and is aimed at defaming the people of Afghanistan.

President Roh stressed that the relations between the two countries will not be affected by the incident and will continue to remain friendly.

President Roh also invited President Karzai to visit South Korea so that Koreans can meet the President and get the chance to know the particulars of real Afghans.