Karzai off to Germany, France

Kabul, March 17, 2007 (Pajhwok Afghan News): President Hamid Karzai left here Saturday for a three-day state visit to Germany and France.

In the first leg of his three-day visit, the president will arrive in Bochum city, Germany, where he will receive the International Der Steiger Riser Award during an official ceremony. The award is being conferred on President Karzai for his "extraordinary leadership" in promoting a culture of tolerance, says a press release issued here.

The International Der Steiger Riser Award is given to national and international personalities for their extraordinary commitment and outstanding achievements in creating a better world.

Dr. Mohammad El Baradie, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), had won the international Der Steiger Riser Award for his tolerance, humanity and freedom last year.

During his stay in Germany, President Karzai will deliver a lecture to teachers and students of the Bochum University on Afghanistan.

He will also meet with the Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the State's businessmen and investors to discuss the strengthening of trade and economic ties and to encourage their investment in Afghanistan.

On Monday, the president will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss Germany's continued assistance to Afghanistan. The two leaders will also take stock of the security situation and the ongoing reconstruction process.

President Karzai will leave for Paris in the second leg of his tour, where he will meet his French counterpart Jack Chirac. They will discuss expansion of bilateral relations between Afghanistan and France and other issues of mutual interest.

The president will also visit the exhibition site of the Bakhtar historic objects in Paris, capital of France.