President Susilo Bambang Yu-dhoyono and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai reaffirmed the long-standing bonds of friendship between the two nations and expressed their commitment to promote bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit.

During bilateral talks on the sidelines of the fifth Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) in Nusa Dua, Bali, Yudhoyono expressed Indonesia’s commitment to support Afghanistan in various fields, including technical vocational training, infrastructure, as well as in women’s empowerment, higher education and mid-career diplomat training.

“We have asked relevant ministries to identify and work on concrete programs” Yudhoyono told the press after the meeting.

The two countries welcomed the new treaty of friendship and cooperation to replace the previous friendship treaty, which concluded on April 24, 1955. The new treaty promotes po...