The Norwegian government is boosting its humanitarian aid to Afghanistan by NOK 48 million this year, because of drought and conflict.”The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is now even more demanding because of the drought,” said Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide.
She made an unannounced visit to the terror-plagued country last week, and met both Afghanistan’s president and foreign minister in Kabul, along with visiting Norwegian forces still in the country after years of war against the terrorist organization Taliban. The country remains under threat of the Taliban, which has conquered additional territory. Many experts say Afghanistan is more dangerous than ever.
Both police and security forces have suffered major losses in Afghanistan in recent months and Søreide admitted the situation was “very serious.” In addition to the Taliban, there are several other networks and groups that fight for control of territory.
News bureau NTB reported that Norway had allocated NOK 158 million in aid to Afghanistan this year but has now boosted that to just over NOK 200 million. The money is earmarked for internal refugees and those hit hardest by the drought.
newsinenglish.no staff
