"A comprehensive approach, including security as well as development dimensions is the only way to secure stability in Afghanistan," Krek said, as the delegation presented the donations.
As part of its participation in the Provincial Reconstruction Team Herat (PRT), Slovenia earmarked US$60,000 for several projects, including IT equipment for the Herat Agriculture Faculty, and equipment for a women's training centre in the suburbs of Herat.
The money was also used for the construction of a water supply system for a centre for mentally disabled, to donate computers for a private secondary school and equipment for a journalism department at the University of Herat, which is Afghanistan's second largest university, according to Srecko Zajc, who headed these projects.
He noted that Slovenia was now getting ready for the project of vaccinating nomads' herds, worth US$300,000, which would be carried out in collaboration with the Afghanistani Agriculture Ministry and the Herat Agriculture Faculty and would last for around a year.
Slovenia is also planning to increase its aid to Afghanistani women. Zajc highlighted a project that would increase women's independence and help their families materially through the production of poultry and eggs.
Jurij Rifelj of the Slovenian Foreign Ministry said that through these projects Slovenia was responding to the the UN's calls for countries to get involved in the stabilisation of the country.
Zajc noted on this occasion that despite the impression people had in Slovenia, a lot had been done in Afghanistan and a progress could be seen. However, a lot remains to be done.
Slovenia is operating within the Italian PRT in Herat. These teams, which are part of the NATO-led ISAF mission to the country, work based on plans drafted by local development councils.
The PRT in Herat has focused on projects in agriculture, education and health care. This year, it concluded 26 projects, while 38 are still underway.
