H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, made a one day trip to Gardez, Paktiya province today and visited the provincial Teacher Training Institute, and the 203rd Afghan National Army Corps.

At the teachers training institute, the President met with representatives of people from Gardez and districts of Paktiya and the neighbouring provinces. Speaking at the gathering, the President emphasized the importance of education in Afghanistan and called on people to send their girls and boys to school so they can grow up educated and help Afghanistan be prosperous and independent.

Focusing on the forthcoming Parliamentary elections, the President said: "voting is power; a power that you can use to elect a delegate of your choice, and deny power to a government that fails to serve you." The President especially highlighted the need for women to participate and vote in the parliamentary elections.

The President also spoke about the “Tahkim e Solh (Strengthening Peace)” program and applauded former President of Afghanistan, Sabghatullah Mujaddedi for his efforts in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. The President encouraged Taliban members who want to return to their country to come back to their villages and live peacefully.

The President received assurances from the people of Paktia and neighbouring provinces about their cooperation in the fight against poppy cultivation.

After his visit to the Teachers Training Institute, the President paid a visit to the 203rd Afghan National Army Corps, where he met and lunched with Afghan National Army soldiers, officers and their commander, Major General Raoufie. The President also checked the living conditions of the soldiers by visiting their dining facility and barracks.

The President was briefed by the Corps Commander on the 203rd Corp’s operations in the south eastern areas, the living and working conditions of the soldiers and the future plans of the Corps.

The President addressed the ANA soldiers and officers during a luncheon ceremony and thanked them for their role in bringing security and peace to the people of Afghanistan.

Addressing the soldiers the President said, “Afghanistan is a brave country and has sacrificed greatly in the past for its freedom, religion and its integrity. However, we want a better tomorrow and with your experience and training I’m sure that we will achieve that tomorrow.”

“Some countries have institutions but not a nation, Afghanistan has a nation but no institutions; by rebuilding the Afghan National Army we will turn Afghanistan into a great nation with institutions.”

“Our people sleep safe at night because of you, you are their today and tomorrow, you are their protector.” the President added. The President thanked on behalf of the Afghan people the Government of the United States and all nations who support Afghanistan in rebuilding its institutions.

The President was accompanied on this visit by a high-ranking government
delegation including Mohammad Rahim Wardak, Minister of Defence and Noor
Mohammad Qarqin, Minister of Education. The visit was part of the President's ongoing plan of provincial trips.