The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, New York

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has appreciated Bangladesh's contribution in rebuilding of the war- ravaged Afghanistan.

The appreciation came during a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the UN headquarters here on Monday on sideline of the UN General Assembly session.

The Chief Adviser expressed the hope that abducted Bangladeshi BRAC worker Nurul Islam would be released soon by the kidnappers.

He thanked the Afghan authorities for the efforts they have been making in this regard. President Karzai assured him of the Afghan government's all possible cooperation in this respect

President Hamid Karzai hoped that the Bangladeshis would continue their 'good work in Afghanistan' and said that they would welcome Bangladesh's expertise in his country's development and administrative sectors including auditors, civil officials and computer specialists.

The Afghan President lauded the reform measures undertaken by the present caretaker government led by Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed. He said he has been following the reform programmes closely and found those truly praiseworthy.

Dr Fakhruddin assured President Karzai of sharing Bangladesh's experiences with the Afghan brethren.

"I have a special fondness for Bangladesh, and I promise I will visit you soon," the Afghan President told the Chief Adviser.

They decided to set up a bilateral mechanism between the two foreign ministers to follow up the progress of cooperation with a view to expanding and deepening it

Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumdar, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ismat Jahan, Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta and other Afghan high officials were present during the meeting.