Washington DC – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is in Washington DC for his official visit to the United States.  

President Karzai arrived in Washington on Sunday, following his official visit to Canada. Upon his arrival, the President visited Walter Reed hospital and met with American soldiers injured while serving in Afghanistan.  He expressed the deep appreciation of the people of Afghanistan for their sacrifices

On Monday President Karzai met with John P Walters, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and H.E. Donald Rumsfeld, the US Secretary of Defense.

In his meeting with Mr. Walters, the President evaluated the current situation of the war against narcotics in Afghanistan.  He expressed the strong commitment of the Government of Afghanistan to take greater responsibility for eradication of poppy fields and interdiction and arrest of traffickers.  On the other hand, the international community must increase the resources available to formulate and implement a comprehensive alternative livelihoods program.

In his meeting with Secretary Rumsfeld, the President thanked the US government for its assistance to Afghanistan’s institution building and reconstruction over the past four years. They discussed Afghanistan’s numerous achievements, including the Parliamentary and Presidential elections, the drafting of the Afghan constitution and the return of over 4 million refugees.  Progress of the Afghan National Army and National Police and NATO’s operations in the south were also discussed.  The President praised US continued role with NATO.  Secretary Rumsfeld reiterated the long-term commitment of the United States government to supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction and institution building.  In particular, he emphasized the need for strengthening Afghanistan’s national security institutions so that they could take on greater responsibility in the war against terrorism and creating a securing environment for the Afghan people.

Preceding the President’s meeting was a full Honor Guard ceremony on the Pentagon lawn, during which Afghanistan’s national anthem was played before a distinguished audience of Afghan and American officials.