KABUL, Dec 9, 2005 (Xinhua via COMTEX)
-- Visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg on Friday reiterated
his government's full commitment in the rebuilding process of the war-ravaged
Afghanistan.
"Our cooperation with Afghanistan
has a long-term perspective. We are going to cooperate with you. We do
that because we believe in the same values as you do. We believe in freedom,
democracy and respect human rights," Jens Stoltenberg told a joint
press conference after meeting President Hamid Karzai at the Afghan Presidential
palace.
The northern European country has provided 280 million US dollars for the rebuilding process of the war-shattered Afghanistan since 2002.
Some 330 Norwegian soldiers have also been serving in Afghanistan under the flag of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and US-dominated coalition troops in the post-Taliban nation.
Norway will also contribute five F-16 jet fighters to the NATO- led multinational force early next year to boost stabilizing operations in the war-ravaged country.
Stoltenberg also disclosed that his government would increase its military presence in Afghanistan.
"We are planning to increase the number of our soldiers and so far we are deciding to increase our presence by deploying F-16 fighters in Afghanistan," he added.
Earlier, he held talks with President Karzai and exchanged views on matters pertaining mutual interests including the situation in Afghanistan and expansion of NATO to the country.
Afghan President for his part termed Norway as a close friend of Afghanistan and expressed his gratitude for its contribution in the reconstruction process of his nation.
NATO countries have agreed to send additional 6,000 troops and increase the military presence of western alliance from some 9,000 to 15,000 by next year.