Afghanistan pursues strategic partnership with U.S., say Afghan FM

Washington, March 20, 2006 (People's Daily) - Afghanistan is pursuing a strategic partnership with the United States, visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah said here on Monday.

"I am happy to be here and I am especially happy the issue of pursuing strategic partnership with the United States," Abdullah told reporters after his talks with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Abdullah also thanked the United States for "staying with us in a crucial moment of our history and enabling the Afghans to achieve the goals which as a result it has already contributed to the well-being of the Afghan people, of our region, global peace."

Rice said Afghanistan has become a key partner of the United States.

"We were just there with President Bush and everyone is impressed with the spirit of the Afghan people and with all that you've accomplished. And I just want to thank you for being here and for the great partnership that you provide," Rice said.

Under the leadership of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan has become a strong U.S. ally in the war against terrorism.

Source: Xinhua