The Prime Minister of Norway, Kjell Magne Bondevik, on Thursday sent the following greeting to Hamid Karzai, President of the Transitional Authority of Afghanistan:

”I extend to you my warmest congratulations on your election as President of the Transitional Authority of Afghanistan.

Norway is pleased that the Loya Jirga process took place under peaceful conditions without any serious security incident and that a new cabinet now has been appointed.

Norway is well aware of the importance of the Transitional Authority in the next stage of the construction of the new Afghan state and looks forward to continuing our support and cooperation with the Afghan people and the Government of Afghanistan.

Wishing you every success in your important work, I remain,

Yours sincerely
Kjell Magne Bondevik”.

Norway’s Government on Wednesday granted NOK 14 million in support for Afghanistan’s Transitional Authority.