July 17, 2007	Tuesday	Rajab 01, 1428

WASHINGTON, July 16: Afghan President Hamid Karzai will visit the Camp David presidential resort next month, the White House announced on Monday. President George W. Bush and the Afghan leader will review the progress in the war against terror and in implementing Afghanistan’s national development strategy, the White House said.

Only key US allies and major world leaders are taken to Camp David. In Washington’s diplomatic circles, such a visit is also seen as a declaration of importance the US attaches to a visiting dignitary. President Pervez Musharraf visited Camp David in June 2003 but did not stay overnight. President Karzai, however, is going to spend two days, Aug 5 and 6, at the presidential resort near Washington. “The two presidents will review their work together to enhance Afghanistan’s long-term democracy, prosperity, and security as agreed in the joint declaration of strategic partnership of May 23, 2005,” the White House said.

“They will discuss progress in implementing Afghanistan’s national development strategy, as well as steps to improve governance and fight corruption, justice sector development, and economic development.