Remarks With His Excellency Abdullah Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Before Their Meeting

SECRETARY RICE: I would like to welcome the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, who has been a key partner for the United States as we went from the liberation of Afghanistan to the development of its democracy. We were just there with President Bush and everyone is impressed with the spirit of the Afghan people and with all that you've accomplished. And I just want to thank you for being here and for the great partnership that you provide.

FOREIGN MINISTER ABDULLAH: Thank you, Madame Secretary. I am happy to be here and I am especially happy the issue of pursuing strategic partnership with the United States. Thank you for your support. Thank you for staying with us in a crucial moment of our history and enabling the Afghans to achieve the goals which as a result it will contribute to the well-being -- it has already contributed to the well-being of the Afghan people, of our region, global peace.

Thank you.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, what do you expect in New York at the P-5 +1 meeting today and when can we expect a presidential statement?

SECRETARY RICE: Don't take me seriously about the questions.