President Karzai thanked people and the government of the Netherlands for the assistance and contribution and called it among countries “on the forefront of assistance to Afghanistan.”

The Netherlands has helped in the reconstruction and security and has stood by the people of Afghanistan in the hard and difficult times since liberation from the clown of terrorism.

President Karzai stated that million of dollars in assistance by the Netherlands has helped Afghanistan in its efforts for better security, building institutions and developing its economy.

In his opening remarks at the press conference, Prime Minister Balkenende said, “It is the obligation of the international community to help Afghans for a better life and security in their country. That is why the Netherlands is a partner with the people of Afghanistan.”

Prime Minister Balkenende said his forces stationed in Uruzgan, Kandahar and Kabul are doing an important job. He insisted on the approach known as Three D, Defense-Diplomacy-Development as an important means of success.

The Netherlands has spent about $ 100 million in development efforts in Afghanistan. It has about 17,000 forces in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said they have realized the need for strengthening local governance in the southern provinces and believe an effective and reliable administration is the key for sustainable progress and development. He added his government is investing and involved in training the Afghan National Army and urged that it's important that the international community stays active in Afghanistan, because it is not only about Afghanistan itself, it has a worldwide dimension.

In answer to a question about whether Dutch forces should stay longer in Afghanistan, President Karzai appreciated Dutch military and reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan and asked the Dutch contingent to stay longer. The President continued, "The Netherlands has sent its soldiers here, putting their lives at risk for security in Afghanistan, so with all what the Netherlands is doing in Afghanistan, naturally Afghanistan will try its best to keep the Netherlands forces and the Netherlands assistance in Afghanistan for a longer time, until we can get back on our own feet."