President Karzai Holds Talks with Dutch Defense Minister
 

23aqrab86_Holand_L.jpgPresident Hamid Karzai and the Dutch Defense Minister Eimert Van Middelkoop held talks Tuesday Nov. 13 in the Palace in Kabul to discuss the Netherlands military presence and assistance to Afghanistan.

Minister Middelkoop offered condolences to the President and people of Afghanistan on the deadly attack in Baghlan that killed and injured dozens.

Defense Minister discussed the role of his country’s led-PRT team stationed in the southern province of Uruzgan, where they help with security, reconstruction and training the Afghan police. He further "renewed The Netherlands' commitment to Afghanistan on both the reconstruction and security fronts”.

The Dutch parliament will soon decide on whether to continue the mission in Afghanistan after its mandate ends on August 2008.

President Karzai thanked the people and government of the Netherlands for all the assistance and contribution they have provided for security and reconstruction in Afghanistan.

Minister Middelkoop extended the Dutch Queen’s invitation to President Karzai to visit the Netherlands at his nearest convenience which was accepted by the President.