The European Union, promising an increase in assistance, has decided to spend its aid through the Afghan government, the Ministry of Finance said.
Finance Minister Omer Zakhilwal said the EU had promised 60 million euros for better governance and improvement of the Afghan justice sector. He stressed the funds be spent through the Afghan government.
He said the EU had vowed 1.5 billion euros in aid to Afghanistan until 2017 and would continue economic cooperation with the government in Kabul.
EU Ambassador Vygaudas Ušackas said the European Union remained committed to support development projects, specifically in the agriculture sector.
Ušackas also promised EU’s supports for a transparent presidential election in 2014. “The contract signed with the Afghan government proves European Union’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan beyond 2014.”
Ušackas said 40 million euros would be spent on improving governance in Afghanistan, 20 million euros on justice sector and the remaining 20 million euros would be withheld due to lack of improvement in the human rights situation.
