Foreign Minister Støre’s visit to Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Støre visited Afghanistan 4 -5 March. “The visit was part of my ongoing contact with the Afghan authorities and Norwegian civilian and military personnel in Afghanistan,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Foreign Minister Støre had political talks with President Karzai, newly appointed Foreign Minister Rassoul, Interior Minister Atmar, National Security Adviser Spanta and Director General of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance Popal.

“Following up on the commitments from the London Conference figured prominently in my political talks. Other important issues was political reform, good governance and anti-corruption, reintegration, reconciliation and human rights,” said Mr Støre.

Before arriving in Kabul, Mr Støre had political talks in India and Pakistan.

“It is important to see the developments in Afghanistan in a regional perspective. The neighbouring countries play a critical role in stabilising Afghanistan, and it is important for me to understand the region from the perspective of the various actors,” said Mr Støre.

“There is no military solution to the challenges Afghanistan is facing. A political solution must be found in Afghanistan, by the Afghans. But Afghanistan’s neighbours and the international community must support such a political process,” said Mr Støre.

Norway is in Afghanistan together with NATO allies to promote stability, security and development at the request of the UN Security Council and the Afghan authorities. Norway is one of the largest contributors in terms of civilian assistance and is providing some NOK 750 million for these efforts in 2010. The main focus areas are education, good governance and rural development.