Today's Date:

President Karzai,

Following the historic election of 9 October, it gives me great pleasure to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on your election to the presidency of Afghanistan and my warmest wishes for the success of the mandate the Afghan people have just entrusted to you.

For two years, you have worked without respite to set your country on the path of peace, reconstruction and reconciliation to which Afghans aspire. The fact that you won by a wide margin signals the very great confidence your fellow citizens have in you. I salute your determination and your courage, which have been decisive in completing, smoothly and with due regard for the opinions expressed, each of the stages of the transition process defined in Bonn in 2001.

France has sought to be present at Afghanistan's side from the beginning of this process. She has taken on increased responsibilities over the past few months in the framework of the command of the International Security Assistance Force. You will be able to go on counting on her support in the run-up to next spring's parliamentary and local elections and, beyond that, to help you pursue Afghanistan's definitive stabilization, which will in particular necessitate determined action against drugs.

It will give me great pleasure to welcome you to Paris when your schedule allows. The French, who have always maintained an especially friendly relationship with Afghanistan, have welcomed the presidential election which has just taken place as a historic milestone on your country's recovery programme.

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