Afghanistan’s Finance Minister Eklil Hakimi on Wednesday met with Norway’s Ambassador to Kabul Mari Skare and discussed a range of issues including Norway’s cooperation in various sectors, particularly women’s empowerment. 

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, Hakimi also discussed Afghanistan’s preparations for the upcoming Geneva Conference, scheduled for later this year. 

Hakimi touched on the subject of increasing domestic revenue and improving reforms in the mining sector, the statement read. 

The two sides also exchanged views on the peace process with the Taliban, parliamentary and provincial council elections and economic reforms.

Norway and Afghanistan have for decades enjoyed close ties and Norway has supported humanitarian aid and development in Afghanistan for the past thirty years.  

Afghanistan is one of the countries that receives the most development aid from Norway – primarily in the areas of good governance, education and rural development. 

However, human rights, strengthening of women’s position and combating corruption are other focus areas. 

Just last month, Skare said at the 4th National Symposium on Afghan Women: Messengers of Peace that one of her country’s key priorities in their partnership with Afghanistan was to strengthen the role and position of women. 

“As a partner to Afghanistan, and in line with Afghan policies, Norway is eager to see the advancement of the women’s empowerment agenda,” she said.