Norway to increase assistance to Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has announced that the Government intends to increase Norwegian assistance to Afghanistan to nearly NOK 750 million in 2008. This is an increase of 50% on 2007 (ca 140 mill USD).

“Our aim is that the Afghans themselves should be able to take charge of their security and steer their social and economic development. A great deal of effort will be required before this is achieved. Norway therefore wants to promote stability, development and good governance,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
“We are now developing an overall plan for Norway’s civilian efforts in Afghanistan, and my trip to Afghanistan next week is part of this work. After my return, I will address the Storting on the Government’s priorities,” said Mr Støre.

Today the Foreign Minister had a meeting with Norwegian NGOs and researchers to present Norway’s approach to Afghanistan in the coming year and to hear their views ahead of his visit.

Norway is also providing substantial military forces in Meymaneh and Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. The Norwegian forces are part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). ISAF is in the country at the invitation of the Afghan Government and is operating under a UN Security Council mandate, which was last renewed on 19 September 2007.