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News item | 01-08-2008
1 August 2008 marks the start of a new phase for the Dutch mission in Uruzgan. Over the next two years the Netherlands will focus on transferring more responsibilities to the Afghan government.
On 30 November 2007, the Dutch government has decided to renew its contribution to the ISAF mission in Uruzgan for a period of two years after August 2008.
Over the next two years there will be an even greater focus on increasing the autonomy of the local Afghan government, army and police. The Netherlands will continue to invest in training and education to further this process.
The Netherlands and Australia will soon be welcoming new partners in Uruzgan like France, Hungary, Singapore, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
The civilian component of the Dutch mission is gradually assuming a greater role. Starting in the summer of 2008 12 staff members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be stationed in Tarin Kowt.
With their colleagues at the embassy in Kabul, they will direct the extensive Dutch development programme in Uruzgan. They will also maintain contact with Governor Hamdam and the rest of the provincial government.
With the support of the Netherlands, the size of the Afghan army in the province has grown to 2250 soldiers since 2006. In addition, 800 police officers have been trained.
The Dutch have helped the Afghan authorities to bring education and health care back to Uruzgan, and the Netherlands is also investing in the development of the agriculture sector and the laying of roads.
More than 20 aid organisations are now doing reconstruction work in the province. In the autumn of 2008 the United Nations will open an office in the provincial capital of Tarin Kowt.