Norway to maintain a high level of aid for Afghanistan

Representatives of over 100 countries and   international organisations met in Brussels today to plan joint international   and Afghan development efforts in the years ahead.

‘Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the   world and has been the scene of armed conflict for several decades. If it is   to become self-sustaining, the country will continue to need international   support for many years to come. Our aim is for Afghanistan to be stabilised   and to gradually become less dependent on aid. This will take time, and it   will require clear and united leadership on the part of the Afghan   Government,’ Mr Brende said.

The support provided by Norway goes towards both   long-term development and humanitarian aid efforts.

‘Norway has increased its support for education for   girls, and this will continue to be a priority in the time ahead,’ the Minister said.    

Maintaining the current level of aid is   conditional on the Afghan Government delivering on its commitments.     

‘A political solution to the conflicts in the   country is essential for achieving sustainable development and lasting   stability,’ Mr Brende said. 

At the conference in Brussels, the Afghan Government   presented the results of development cooperation so far and an ambitious   national framework for promoting peace and development. The donor countries   and Afghanistan agreed on a set of mutual commitments. The Afghan Government   committed itself to implement reforms and development measures considered   necessary to make the country less dependent on international aid in the long   term. Afghanistan also undertook to strengthen democracy, governance and the   position of women, and to reduce corruption.