Press Release: Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner at the International Conference on Afghanistan: providing new impetus to EU’s long-term commitment

Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner will participate in the International Conference on Afghanistan: A Comprehensive Strategy, in The Hague on 31 March. This high level conference aims at injecting new vigor into common efforts and to strengthen international and regional cooperation in support of the Afghan population. The conference will focus in particular on the upcoming elections, governance and institution building as well as setting priorities for economic growth and development. Furthermore, the Conference will look at aid effectiveness and Afghanistan’s political and economic reform agenda. The Commission long standing commitment to Afghanistan will be confirmed in The Hague and the Commissioner will be able to announce the commitment of some additional €60 million to support Afghanistan’s elections, the Afghan police and food security. This will be supplementary to the funding of €700 million already available for the period 2007 – 2010.