SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, May 18 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush in Egypt Sunday said he backed a request by Afghan President Hamid Karzai for $50 billion in foreign aid.
"This is a great opportunity for the world to help Afghanistan grow and prosper," Bush told a news conference in Sharm el Sheikh, where Arab leaders are gathered for the World Economic Forum.
Karzai said he would seek the $50 billion in aid for his country's agricultural sector during a donor conference scheduled in Paris in June.
"We'll be going to Paris to ask for more help for Afghanistan's agriculture, so that Afghanistan can become self-sufficient in agriculture, and also be an exporter to the rest of the world," Karzai told reporters.
Bush praised Karzai for his fortitude in overseeing Afghanistan's recovery following nearly three decades of conflict.
"I appreciate your courage. Appreciate you taking on a very tough assignment -- which is helping your young democracy survive amidst the threats from the radicals and extremists," Bush said.
