Karzai in UAE to rebuild ties

Afghanistan's interim leader Hamid Karzai arrived in the UAE yesterday in what many see as a fence-mending mission, ahead of a conference hosted by Abu Dhabi-based think tank Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies, where he is to deliver the keynote address today.

"We are here to rebuild ties. The UAE is a neighbouring country, a Muslim country that supported Afghanistan and stood solidly behind us during the Afghan jihad against Soviet occupation," Karzai told Gulf News in Dubai yesterday.

"This visit is part of our policy to expand and strengthen relations with all our neighbouring countries," said Karzai indicating his visit here was part of moves to keep vital aid flowing in to help rebuild his war torn country.

Karzai was received on arrival by Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces Lt General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Minister of Information and Culture Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Karzai who is scheduled to be received by President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan today said: "We are grateful to the UAE for pledging assistance. They have already pledged $30 million at Tokyo and we are sure they will be behind us, that they will help in every way."