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Spanish Prime Minister Jos Luis Rodrguez Zapatero paid an unannounced visit to Afghanistan Saturday and held meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, a statement released by Afghanistan's Presidential Palace said. The visiting Spanish premier, according to the statement, expressed his government's commitment in training and equipping Afghan army and police.
Karzai at the meeting briefed the Spanish prime minister on his government's efforts for talks with the armed opposition and in finding a negotiated settlement to ensure lasting peace in Afghanistan.
The security situation in Afghanistan, upcoming NATO conference in Lisbon and the issue of transferring security responsibilities to Afghan security forces had also came under discussion.
Foreign dignitaries often pay visit to Afghanistan without prior information due to security concerns.
Accompanying by his defense and foreign ministers, the Spanish prime minister also toured Badghis provincial capital Qalai Now and visited his troops there.
More than 1500 Spanish soldiers have been stationed in Afghanistan within the framework of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Karzai at the meeting briefed the Spanish prime minister on his government's efforts for talks with the armed opposition and in finding a negotiated settlement to ensure lasting peace in Afghanistan.
The security situation in Afghanistan, upcoming NATO conference in Lisbon and the issue of transferring security responsibilities to Afghan security forces had also came under discussion.
Foreign dignitaries often pay visit to Afghanistan without prior information due to security concerns.
Accompanying by his defense and foreign ministers, the Spanish prime minister also toured Badghis provincial capital Qalai Now and visited his troops there.
More than 1500 Spanish soldiers have been stationed in Afghanistan within the framework of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).