Vladimir Putin congratulated Hamid Karzai on his election as President of Afghanistan by the Loya Jirga.
The message said, in part:
“We know you as a real patriot seeking to revive a peaceful, independent, united, neutral and prospering Afghanistan as a worthy and equitable member of the international community. I am convinced you will continue the course for restoring the Afghan statehood, forming a civil society, rebuilding the country’s economy and overcoming the negative consequences of the past in order to ensure a better future for the Afghan people and strengthen good-neighbourly relations and cooperation between our two countries.
“You may rely on Russia’s cooperation, assistance and support in this noble course,” the Russian President stressed.