Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Spain Wants to Stay in Afghanistan Beyond 2014

Spain Wants to Stay in  Afghanistan Beyond 2014

KABUL - The Spanish prime minister on Saturday expressed his country's willingness to stay in Afghanistan after 2014, when all foreign troops are scheduled to leave.

At a meeting with President Hamid Karzai after his arrival in Kabul on a surprise visit, Mariano Rajoy said they wanted to help all Afghans, just like they have been serving Badghis and Herat residents over the past decade.

Karzai's office said the president discussed Spanish investments in Afghanistan with Rajoy, who conveyed greetings from his president. They also discussed further strengthening of the bilateral relationship.
Rajoy said Spain would like to invest in Afghanistan in solar electricity, rehabilitation and water sectors, as well as in railroads' construction.

In the 2014 presidential election, the government would try to provide security for all Afghans going to polling stations to elect a new president, Karzai said, adding foreign influence and pressures would not be tolerated.

Karzai appreciated Span's aid over the past 10 years and welcomed its investment in Afghanistan, a statement from the Presidential Palace said. "We assure them of having good opportunities in Afghanistan."

Spain has 1,605 soldiers within the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) framework in Afghanistan. So far 34 of them have been killed. (Pajhwok)