Presidential Palace, Kabul - H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, left today on a visit to Saudi Arabia. The main purpose of his trip is to attend the Jeddah Economic Forum which will take place from 19 to 21 February 2005.

The forum is meeting for the 6th consecutive year and expects more than 2000 delegates, including heads of states. The theme of this year's forum will be "Capacity Building: Developing People for Sustainable Growth". The President will address the forum and talk about Afghanistan economic potential and the opportunities for international investors and businessmen. Other prominent speakers invited include H.E. Vaclav Klaus, President of Czech Republic, H.E. Abdoulaye Wade, President of Senegal, and H.E. Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of Pakistan.

During his trip, the President will also hold bilateral talks with Crown Prince Abdullah and perform the Umrah pilgrimage.