US promises additional civilian aid to Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Before the US military withdrawal, the Biden administration is giving Afghanistan an additional $300 million in civilian assistance.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday: “The aid is being made available now to demonstrate our enduring support for the Afghan people.”

The funding would be used to sustain and build on the gains of the past 20 years, the secretary said in a statement, cited by Anadolu.

He noted the funding would be used to bolster economic growth, fight corruption and the narcotics trade, improve health and education services and support women’s empowerment programmes.

Part of the assistance would go to conflict resolution, civil society and independent media, according to the statement.

He added: “As the US begins withdrawing its troops, we will use our civilian and economic assistance to advance a just and durable peace for Afghanistan…”

PAN Monitor/mud

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