G8 pledges continuing support to Afghanistan

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw reiterated on Thursday that the world's leading industrialized nations had made long term commitment and involvement in helping Afghanistan.

"We have recommitted ourselves and the international community to a long term relationship with the people of Afghanistan and its Government because there is still a very great deal to do given the legacy of the Taliban and its terrible period including on prosperity, reconstruction and the issue of drugs," Straw said in a joint conference with Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah after talks with foreign ministers from the Group of Eight (G8) in London.

Abdullah acknowledged the help of the international community, and said, "there are joint achievements for all of us which has made life not only better for Afghanistan but for the whole region and has contributed to peace globally."

"At the same time there are challenges which we have to take altogether and this continued commitment of G8 countries and the international community as a whole, it comes as a reassurance once again for the people of Afghanistan in hoping for building a stable, prosperous and democratic country," Abdullah said.

Abdullah joined the G8 meeting to discuss efforts to stem the flow of narcotics from Afghanistan. He called for greater cooperation from Pakistan to stop militants crossing the border into his country.

Foreign ministers from G8 nations converged in London on Thursday for a one-day meeting with the Middle East, drug production in Afghanistan and concern over Iran's nuclear program on the top agenda.

Source: Xinhua