Afghanistan thanks Khalifa for donation

ABU DHABI // Afghanistan has thanked Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed for his donation of Dh200 million (US$54.5m) to help rebuild the war-torn country. The President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi announced the donation last week after the visit of his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, to the UAE. During an iftar banquet held in his honour, Mr Karzai asked the UAE to continue its support, WAM, the government news agency, reported.

Between 2001 and 2006, the UAE gave about Dh441m to Afghanistan. In June, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Foreign Minister, said the country would contribute $250m to a $20 billion aid package collected from 65 countries. According to a statement from the Afghan embassy in Abu Dhabi, the donation offered last week will be in addition to the money already pledged by Sheikh Abdullah. "The UAE's participation in the reconstruction process of Afghanistan is a good example of fraternity and affinity between our two countries," the statement said. "During the meetings, President Hamid Karzai expressed his admiration and thankfulness to the Government and people of the brotherly country of the UAE for its significant and timely assistance."

The money will be administered through the Khalifa bin Zayed Charity Foundation and will go toward social, economic, health and educational projects. jgerson@thenational.ae