On October 17 and 18, 2009, H.E. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan Presidential candidate met with H.E. Bernard Kouchner, Foreign Minister of France along with the Ambassador of France to Kabul, H.E. Jean d’ Amecourt. During the meeting, Dr. Abdullah conveyed the people of Afghanistan’s appreciation for continued support that France has provided for Afghanistan’s reconstruction effort during the past several years.

Foreign Minister Kouchner congratulated Dr. Abdullah for the impressive Presidential campaign that he ran as a Presidential candidate. Dr. Abdullah discussed issues related to the Afghan Presidential elections as well as the developments that have taken place during the past several weeks. He added that the people of Afghanistan courageously went to the polls, despite security challenges, in an effort to choose their own political destiny. He added that despite problems with the elections, the Afghan people are confident that the ongoing audit and recount process would help to preserve the elections and that they were anxiously awaiting the results to be announced by the Electoral Complaints Commission and the Afghan Independent Election Commission. Dr. Abdullah reiterated that a credible outcome to elections would help to preserve the Afghan people’s faith and confidence in their partnership with the international community as well as their transition towards a democratic and civil society. He stated, “With the process being preserved, the right foundation would be place for the international community and Afghanistan to make further strides towards, security, stability and prosperity”.

Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner indicated that the Government of France was committed to the legitimacy of the electoral process and stated that the future government of Afghanistan needed to be viewed as a legitimate and credible government that would be able efficiently deliver services to the Afghan people as well as to meet their expectations. Dr. Abdullah added that serious changes are needed and that relevant Afghan institutions have to do seriously focus on efforts in improving governance, rule of law, combating corruption and narcotics and focusing on increasing successful development projects. Dr. Abdullah and Foreign Minister also discussed several issues on how to overcome some the challenges at hand.

Both sides agreed that efficient coordination between Afghanistan and the international community would serve as an important factor in making further strides in the rebuilding effort. Foreign Minister Kouchner also conveyed that France is committed to Afghanistan’s rebuilding effort. They agreed to stay in close contact as France continues to provide its support for Afghanistan. Foreign Minister was on a brief trip to Kabul.