Afghanistan JEDDAH, July 8 (KUNA) -- The President of Islamic Development Bank Group Dr. Ahmad Mohammad Ali affirmed commitment Sunday on maintaining support by the bank in terms of development and construction efforts to Afghanistan.

The remarks by Dr. Ali came in a speech he delivered at Afghanistan's Friends Conference in Tokyo, Japan, with participation of more than 70 countries, stressing importance that IDB along with many banks and regional organizations would maintain cooperation with members of the coordination group and Japan International Cooperation Agency, among others to continue support development efforts and progress in Afghanistan.

The conference is considered a vital step to ensure commitment by the international community and Afghanistan government to achieve a better future, peace, and stability in Afghanistan, commending as well on the type of partnership between IDB and Afghanistan, since it is an IDB founding member.

IDB chief also shed light on a Memo of Understanding (MoU) signed between the bank and the Afghan government last year, which mainly concentrated on connecting the north and south of the country through various communication and energy projects.

Dr. Ali indicated as well that the bank will contribute in the next three years around USD 80 million in support of economic and social development in Afghanistan.