Press Releases 2006

Debt Cancellation for Afghanistan

February 08, 2006       
For Immediate Release
002/2006
Contact: Anne O’Leary
Telephone: 0799-652-357

The United States intends to cancel all of the debt owed to it by Afghanistan, approximately $108 million, subject to domestic legal requirements. The U.S. action will be done through normal Paris Club procedures. Russia and Germany, Afghanistan’s other Paris Club creditors, also intend to provide 100% cancellation.

The government and people of Afghanistan are working diligently to build a sustainable market economy despite many challenges.

The solution of the debt problem through the Paris Club process will strongly contribute to the development of Afghanistan’s trade, investment, and other economic ties with its major creditors and with the rest of the world. The United States calls on other bilateral creditors of Afghanistan to provide the same 100% relief.