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President Karzai meets US Deputy Secretary of State, John Negroponte
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On September 10, President Hamid Karzai met in the Presidential Palace with John Negroponte, US Deputy Secretary of State. Both sides discussed issues of mutual concern and stressed on various aspects of stronger relations, regional development and US continued assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
Deputy Secretary Negroponte reaffirmed his country’s long-term commitment and said the US will continue to help Afghans as long as necessary. He stated that both the American Congress and the government have realized the importance of strategic partnership and cooperation with Afghanistan and agree on financial allocations for new non-stop projects in rebuilding and developing Afghanistan. Mr. Negroponte applauded Afghanistan’s increase of its annual income. He said the income a few years ago when he visited Afghanistan was only about $ 100 million, while he said Afghan Finance Minister told him, it is now standing at about $ 800 million today. This shows a great financial progress. Pointing at the progress Afghanistan is making, President Karzai evaluated positive the outcomes of the Joint Afghan-Pak Peace Jirgah and hoped the sub-jirgah, set up to follow up on the Jirgah’s decisions can be effective and a success too. |