Weezha Roz-Qari Din Mohammad “Hanif,” the Acting Minister of Economy of Afghanistan, met with Per Albert Ilsaas, the Norwegian Ambassador to Afghanistan, to discuss expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, the Norwegian Ambassador acknowledged the management and implementation of Afghanistan’s economic programs over the past three years as significant achievements of the Afghan government, despite economic sanctions, the freezing of foreign currency reserves, and the suspension of developmental aid from the international community.
He also assured the continuation of Norway’s humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
The Acting Minister of Economy expressed gratitude for Norway’s humanitarian aid to vulnerable individuals and regions and called for greater focus by the international community and aid organizations on providing developmental assistance.
He emphasized that such efforts could lead to the creation of sustainable economic infrastructure, reduced dependence on foreign aid, and the generation of employment opportunities for economic self-sufficiency.
The Acting Minister highlighted that precise and effective economic policies, particularly in the professional management of the monetary and financial systems, have been key factors in improving national economic indicators.
These policies have contributed to maintaining the value of the Afghan currency against foreign currencies, reducing inflation, increasing the volume of exports, imports, and national revenues, boosting domestic production, enhancing economic cooperation at regional and global levels, and creating opportunities and facilities to attract domestic and foreign investments in major economic projects across various sectors.
He identified reliance on internal capacities and the country’s revenue sources as the fundamental solution to Afghanistan’s economic challenges, adding that targeted investments in both public and private sectors could pave the way for economic growth in the medium term.
The Acting Minister also noted that the ongoing financial and banking restrictions, as well as the freezing of the country’s foreign currency reserves, have directly negatively impacted the economic and livelihood conditions of Afghans, leading to increased unemployment and poverty.
He called for the lifting of economic sanctions and the release of the country’s foreign currency reserves.
Weezha Roz
