1. As part of Korea's efforts to assist the reconstruction of Afghanistan, 22 Afghan high-level officials, at the 
invitation of the Korean government, will visit Korea from May 24 to June 2, 2002, to attend a training course 
titled "Partnership Building with Afghan High-level Officials". The training course will be held at the training 
center of KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency).

 
2. The Afghan officials participating in the training program includes 3 Vice Minister-level officials from the 
Ministry of Planning and Director General-level officials from various Afghan Government ministries, such as 
the Ministry of Reconstruction, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Town 
Planning. During their stay in Korea, they will take courses regarding Korea's development experience, as 
well as poverty reduction, and Korea's ODA. They are also scheduled to visit Hyundai Motor Co., Hyundai 
Heavy Industries Co., POSCO, vocational training facilities, and Saemaul Undong Central Training Institute 
(SUCTI).

 
3. At the International Conference on Afghan reconstruction held in Tokyo last January, the Korean 
Government announced to provide up to US$ 45 million for the next two and half years for the reconstruction 
of Afghanistan. This training program is significant in the sense that this is the first visit by Afghan high-level 
officials to Korea regarding Korea's aid programs for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. This visit is expected 
to contribute to promoting friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

                                                                      Spokesperson of MOFAT


* unofficial translation