Korea Will Support 58.5 Billion Won in Aid

Foreign Affairs and Trade minister Han Seung-Soo will attend an international conference for Afghanistan’s recovery which will be held in Tokyo on the 21st. He announced the decision to give support by granting 45 million dollars in 5 divisions including preservation of health, education, employment training, road repair, and communication network establishment.

Minister Han said that he would dispatch a government research team to negotiate with the Afghan government, and also open an office in Kabul as soon as possible.

The conference will be held for two days between the 21st and the 22nd. Representatives from 60 nations, including U.S.A., Japan, Saudi Arabia, and European Union (EU), and 22 international organizations will also be present.

Japanese Premier Koizumi Junichiro announced that Japan will provide 500 million dollars in 2 and a half years, and U.S.A. promised give initial support of 296 million dollars in the first year. EU will provide 500 million dollars (550 Euro) during the first year, and provide a similar amount the next year. Saudi Arabia promised 220 million dollars of support in 3 years.

According to the U.N. and the World Bank, the transition of the Afghan government will need 4.9 billion dollars in 2 and a half years, approximately 14.6 billion dollars in 10 years. A total of 3 billion dollars is expected to be provided through the upcoming conference.

ksshim@donga.com