MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok Afghan News) – The government of Denmark on Wednesday pledged US $100 million (5.2 billion afs) in aid to Afghanistan over the next five years, an official said.

Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Christian Friis Bach told reporters in northern Balkh (بلخ) province the international community remained committed not to leave Afghanistan alone. In line with aid pledges at the Tokyo Conference, the world would continue to provide financial support to Afghanistan, said Bach after a meeting with Governor Atta Mohammad Noor (عطا محمد نور).

He added Denmark was among the countries that intended to help Afghanistan over the long haul. The next five years would determine the country’s future, he said, hoping the Afghans would take good decisions about themselves.

The visiting minister was confident the Afghans would succeed in conducting transparent election in 2014 and protecting human rights, particularly women’s rights. His trip reflected the strong ties between the two countries, he concluded.