The two presidents discussed the common fight against terrorism and narcotics, the strengthening of Afghanistan’s institutions, and the country’s reconstruction.

President Bush reiterated America’s commitment to helping rebuild Afghanistan:

“The US and its allies will continue their assistance to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and to the strengthening of its infrastructures so that the wishes of the Afghan people for peace, prosperity, and a bright future will be fulfilled.”

He emphasized that the US government will continue building schools, hospitals, and roads in Afghanistan, especially in the south, saying, “When roads end in the south of Afghanistan, the Taliban appear.”

“Every victory in the fight against terrorism and terrorist elements makes the lives of freedom-loving people more secure in the world and, therefore, the fight will continue until the complete defeat of terrorism in the world,” he added.

President Karzai thanked his host for America’s generosity to the Afghan people:

“The US has generously provided assistance to the building of schools and clinics and to the equipping and training of national police and army in the past five years, and I, on behalf of the people of Afghanistan, thank you for these assistances.”

President Karzai discussed the challenges Afghanistan continues to face in the fight against terrorism and emphasized the need for greater US assistance to overcome them.  He specifically mentioned the generation of power, construction of roads, and the strengthening of the national police and army as crucial to achieving self-reliance.