Norway to maintain a high level of aid for Afghanistan

Afghanistan ReturnedAfghanistan.Photo: pixabay.com

 

‘Norway is a long-term partner for Afghanistan. We intend to maintain our current level of aid to the country, approximately NOK 700 million a year, in the period 2017 to 2020,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. Mr Brende announced Norway’s contribution at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan today.

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.

 

Source: government.no / Norway Today