Dutch Ministers visit Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (21 March) – Three Dutch Ministers visited Afghanistan 19 - 21 March: the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, the Minister for Defense, Eimert van Middelkoop, and the Minister for Defense Development Co-operation, Bert Koenders. The delegation met with a wide range of civilian and military authorities, representatives of non-governmental organizations and the international community.

The representatives met with President Karzai today and discussed recent developments in Afghanistan.

The delegation also paid a visit to Kandahar and Uruzgan, where the ministers met the Dutch commander of RC-South, General Ton Van Loon and Dutch servicemembers.

In Uruzgan the delegation visited the flood-affected area near Deh Rawood where Dutch troops provided emergency assistance to more than 400 people in the last two days. The Minister of Development Co-operation offered a contribution of €100,000 for emergency relief to the people of Uruzgan affected by this tragedy.

The Dutch Government has also committed €70 million in development aid for 2007.

The Netherlands has 1,800 troops deployed in the south of Afghanistan, providing security assistance to the Government of Afghanistan.

Footnote.

At the reception, ISAF’s Dutch and Australian forces, along with Afghan representatives, enjoyed traditional Afghan food and music. Uruzgan Provincial Governor Munib, along with representatives from the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police also attended.

Colonel Hans van Griensven, commander of Task Force Uruzgan, welcomed everyone during the start of the reception and took the time to thank the interpreters for their hard work. His remarks were followed by a few words by Governor Munib.