EU Remains Steadfast Partner for Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaking ahead of the International Conference on Afghanistan, EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs highlighted that the European Union will remain a steadfast partner for the country's stabilization and development. "Afghanistan needs to take full ownership of the reconstruction of its country to make the 'transformation decade' a success," Commissioner Piebalgs said ahead of the meeting in Tokyo, Japan, this Sunday. "The EU has the firm intention to stand alongside Afghanistan in this process, together with the international community, and to maintain its substantial support. I'll confirm the EU will maintain its current level of 200 million euros per year, as minimum."

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The Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan considers the long-term future of the country. The EU is one of the major donors providing substantial development and humanitarian assistance. Between 2002 and 2011, the EU committed some 2.5 billion euros assistance to Afghanistan. For the 2011-2013 period, 200 million euros are allocated annually for development programs in three key sectors: governance - including police - agriculture and rural development, and health and social protection.

However, Commissioner Piebalgs also pointed out that Afghanistan must live up to its commitments by reforming its public finance management, its public administration and its economy while fighting corruption. "The government must reinforce its credibility towards the people of Afghanistan and be able to provide the basic social services. We are ready to support it in this endeavor in a spirit of mutual accountability."

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SOURCE Delegation of the European Union to the United States

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