On August 26, President Karzai met with and held a press conference with Jan Peter Balkenende, the Netherlands Prime Minister, at the Presidential Palace.

During the meeting the two heads of state discussed the situation in Afghanistan and in the region, economic development, security and other related issues between the two countries. 

After their meeting the President and the Dutch Prime Minister met with the media on their meeting and the situation in Afghanistan and the Government of the Netherlands assistance in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Balkenende told the media that his country was committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and to the fight against terrorism.  He said the key to getting rid of terrorism were diplomacy, defense and development. 

The Prime Minister emphasized that cross border infiltrations need to stop and that a dialogue must start to stop cross-border attacks on Afghan and Coalition forces.   

President Karzai thanked the Dutch Prime Minister for his country’s contribution to the Afghan people and said, “The Netherlands has been among the countries that has generously supported Afghanistan for the last four and a half years.”  The President expressed hope that with the help of the international community, Afghanistan will stand on its own feet soon. 

Asked about possible negotiations between NATO and the Taliban, President Karzai said that he is not aware of any and that a commission already exists to talk to those Taliban who desire peace and progress in Afghanistan.  However, he added that those responsible for extreme violence such as killing innocent people and burning down schools will not be forgiven.