Statement Regarding Opening of National Museum in Kabul, Afghanistan

Released by U.S. Embassy Kabul

Special Presidential Envoy and U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad expressed U.S. support for Afghan reconstruction at the opening of the Nation Museum in Kabul.

"The people of the United States are proud to be partners with the government and people of Afghanistan and all the members of the international community whose contributions have made today's rededication possible," said Ambassador Khalizad in remarks made during the opening ceremony.

The museum was almost completely destroyed during the Soviet invasion and subsequent civil war. The Taliban smashed most of the collection that survived the destruction of the museum. The reconstruction of the museum was funded by an international effort including support from the United States, Greece, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO), and the National Geographic Society.

Ambassador Khalizad also observed that the opening of the museum was a symbol that "Afghanistan is coming back. It is getting ready for the future. But it is not forgetting its rich heritage."