The Irish Government has pledged €5 million in aid to Afghanistan to assist the reconstruction work there following the US-led invasion in 2002.
The aid is part of an international package announced by western nations at a conference in London today.
Delegates pose for a group photograph at the London Conference on Afghanistan
Ireland's pledge will be allocated for basic humanitarian relief and the recovery activities being carried out by the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF).
The ARTF is managed by the World Bank and is intended to provide a co-ordinated way for donors to help the Afghan government rebuild the country.
Minister of State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights Conor Lenihan said the aid would be donated over the next two years and would bring Ireland's commitment to relief, reconstruction and recovery programmes in Afghanistan to €33 million since 2000.
He said: "In the past two years, Afghanistan has made real progress. Difficulties remain, not least in ensuring a safe and secure environment in which reconciliation and rebuilding can advance.
"While many daunting challenges remain in the journey ahead, I believe that the people of Afghanistan have the courage and determination necessary to overcome them. Ireland will remain a committed partner to Afghanistan in that journey," the Minister added.
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