    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [February 27, 2003]
    [Pages 222-223]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement Between the United States of America and Afghanistan
    February 27, 2003

        President Bush and President Karzai
    reaffirm their common vision for an Afghanistan that is prosperous,
    democratic, at peace, contributing to regional stability, market
    friendly, and respectful of human rights. They affirm their ironclad and
    lasting partnership in pursuit of this vision, and will work together to
    ensure that Afghanistan is never again a haven for terrorists and that
    no resurgence of terrorism threatens Afghanistan.
        The United States has demonstrated its commitment to Afghanistan,
    providing U.S. forces to combat terror and secure stability, and
    granting over $900 million in assistance since 2001. Working together,
    Afghans, Americans, and our international partners have made great
    progress in ridding Afghanistan of Al Qaida and Taliban elements. We
    averted famine for some 7 million Afghans last year, and have begun the
    essential and challenging work of rebuilding after decades of
    dictatorship, war, and extremism. As a sign of confidence in the future,
    some 2 million refugees have returned to Afghanistan over the past year.
    But much remains to be done. This year will mark a shift toward long-
    term reconstruction projects and the rebuilding of Afghan institutions.
    The United States will be a full partner in this transition, helping to
    secure stability and supporting reconstruction throughout the country,
    including roads, schools, clinics, and agriculture. We will continue our
    work together, with other partners, to gather the resources that will
    hasten the day when all Afghans lead prosperous and secure lives.
        President Karzai has declared 2003 to be a
    year of national institution building for Afghanistan, a year when the
    economic and social benefits of peace are extended throughout the
    country.
        Afghans are enjoying newfound freedoms and hope for a brighter
    tomorrow. The United States will work with Afghanistan to extend the
    accomplishments of the Bonn Accord of December 2001 and the Emergency
    Loya Jirga of June 2002 so that Afghans can build a democratic,
    constitutional government within the context of Afghanistan's unique
    culture and history.
        The United States military will continue with its primary mission to
    prevent terrorist elements from undermining the security environment,
    while also building the Afghan national army--a central priority for
    both governments--and facilitating reconstruction. President
    Karzai strongly favors the creation by the
    United States and other coalition partners of a number of Provincial
    Reconstruction Teams that will work closely with Afghan government
    ministries, UN agencies, and NGOs in advancing common reconstruction
    objectives while also working with the graduate battalions of the Afghan
    National Army to advance the mission of enhancing security nationwide.

    [[Page 223]]

        President Bush reaffirms that the United States will continue to be
    a full partner in Afghanistan's reconstruction and, with the support of
    Congress, continue with a comprehensive program of U.S. assistance to
    Afghanistan at levels commensurate with the past. To support President
    Karzai's goal of seeing a transition to broad-
    based reconstruction efforts, the United States will focus its efforts
    on particular projects in the areas of transportation, agriculture,
    education, and health.

         The United States has committed $80 million to the
                rebuilding of the Kabul-Kandahar-Herat road--Afghanistan's
                main transportation artery. Japan and Saudi Arabia are
                joining us in this project. The United States, in
                partnership with Norway, will also provide $12 million to
                build a bridge over the river between Afghanistan and
                Tajikistan, forming a key road link.
         Agricultural projects will include a package of irrigation
                programs, including $6 million to assist Afghanistan in
                managing water systems that are already being repaired under
                cash-for-work programs and a $15 million project to restore
                irrigation systems and other essential services.
         In the area of education, the United States is initiating a
                $60 million program to build or repair 1000 schools, print
                15 million textbooks, train 30,000 teachers, and offer
                accelerated learning programs to 60,000 students.
         Health is also a priority sector for U.S. assistance, with
                $133 million planned for a three-year program that will
                construct or rehabilitate 550 primary health care centers,
                expand access to health services in rural areas, and address
                the basic health care needs of women and children.

        The United States and Afghanistan will work together toward that day
    when Afghanistan is fully secure and self-sufficient. In Afghanistan as
    elsewhere, the United States covets no resources and seeks no special
    advantage. President Bush and President Karzai
    reaffirm the bond of friendship that unites the peoples of America and
    Afghanistan in the common pursuit of a safer, freer, and more prosperous
    world for the benefit of all.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.