BRUSSELS, April 2 (KUNA) -- It is an important foreign policy priority for Afghanistan to further strengthen its relations with the Gulf countries, Ershad Ahmadi, deputy foreign Minister of Afghanistan, told a press conference after the end of a 2-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels this evening.
"We have had a very fruitful partnership in the last 12 years and we will continue to develop on that," he told the Kuwait news agency, KUNA, in reply to a question on ties between Gulf countries and Afghanistan.
Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE are active contributors to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan "for which we are very grateful," said Ahmadi.
"The Gulf countries have a potential role in advancing peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and we have very close contact with them on many of the issues," he said.
The Afghan ministers in particular mentioned the issue of extremism and terrorism in our region which is also of concern for the Gulf countries.
"I see a genuine intention on their part to help both Pakistan in their own rconciliation with the Taliban in Pakistan and they have a genuine interest to support us," he noted.
"Discussions to seek their help in peace and reconciliation is ongoing right now," he added.
Ahmadi represented his country on discussions with NATO ministers on the situation in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told a press conference earlier today that NATO foreign ministers met with partners in ISAF and assessed the situation in Afghanistan, and looked forward to the historic elections which will be held on Saturday.
"This is the day when the people of Afghanistan decide on the future they want. So my message to the women and men of Afghanistan is clear: go to the polls. Exercise your democratic rights. Only you have the right to decide your country''''s future," he said. (end) nk