Norway condemns yesterday’s attack in Kabul

“When I talked to President Karzai today, I stressed that Norway will stand firmly by its commitment in Afghanistan, which is based on a UN Security Council mandate,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway condemns the attack on the Serena hotel in Kabul yesterday afternoon, which also affected Foreign Minister Støre’s delegation.

“The attack will not affect the great importance we attach to maintaining an active international presence in Afghanistan,” said Mr Støre. 

Norway’s main priority in Afghanistan is to promote stability, development and good governance. 

“This is not a struggle we can win by military means alone. We can only succeed by promoting development and through civilian efforts,” said the Foreign Minister. 

“I don’t have any indication that this attack was specifically targeted at Norway, but we must assume that it was aimed at the international presence in Afghanistan,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.