New Zealand's Governor-General and Minister of Defence have met Afghan President Hamid Karzai on a visit to Afghanistan to mark the withdrawal of New Zealand troops from Bamyan province.
The New Zealand Defence Force is preparing to leave its base after 10 years of leading the Provincial Reconstruction Team since 2003.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae said President Karzai was very grateful for the commitment New Zealand had made to Afghanistan, saying the service and sacrifice of the past decade was valued by the Afghan people.
He said Mr Karzai viewed New Zealand's service in Afghanistan as having no ulterior motive.
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman said the 90-minute meeting was a wide-ranging discussion that included New Zealand's ongoing contribution.
