March 03, 2008

President Karzai met on Monday in the Palace a six-member delegation of American congressmen led by Jim Costa from the State of California.

The congressmen making up the bipartisan delegation included Mike Pence from Indiana, Joseph Crowley from NY, Gresham Barrett and Joe Wilson from South Carolina and Michael Arcuri from NY.

The delegation composed of both Democrats and the Republicans said despite their parties' differences of opinions, they share the same view about how important Afghanistan’s reconstruction and the war on terror are to America. The delegation emphasized that they support any efforts that can further embolden the mutual cooperation and ties between the two countries.

Jim Costa said the delegation spoke to Afghan officials and ordinary people in Afghanistan and were impressed by the progress Afghanistan has made in its journey towards a brighter future. He said situation was much better than what was heard on the media.

The topics of discussion between the two sides ranged from situation in Afghanistan and the region, the battle against terrorism to the drug problem, against which Congressman Costa reaffirmed the support of the people of the United States.

The President highlighted the social, economic and political achievements the people of Afghanistan have gained, for which he thanked the support by the international community and the United States in particular.