Saudi business tycoon eyeing investment in Afghanistan

KABUL, urging international companies to do business with the landlocked country.

During a meeting with President Ashraf Ghani, Walid bin Talal, a business tycoon from the Saudi ruling family, discussed investment opportunities and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, the Presidential Palace said.

“I have conferred on investment opportunities with the Afghan finance minister and would implement my investment pledges. Some global companies are also interested in investments in Afghanistan,” Walid bin Talal was quoted as saying.

The president hailed the likely investment from the royal family in Afghanistan and said Muslim countries should cooperate on poverty eradication. Muslims states should not become safe havens for terrorist, he added.

Ghani believed democracy was striking root in the country and at the end of his term, democratic institutions would be emerge stronger and power would be transferred smoothly to a new civilian administration.

The president conferred the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Medal on the visiting dignitary for his efforts to strengthen trade and diplomatic relation between the two brotherly countries. The Saudi guest hailed Ghani’s hospitality and leadership.

nh/mud