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Japan has announced a significantly enhanced financial package of assistance to Afghanistan worth $5bn over five years. The money will be disbursed under three headings: security; reintegration and reconciliation; and development assistance.

This welcome announcement is a further demonstration of the international community’s commitment to Afghanistan.

A group of British Muslims were joined by Sky News’ Stuart Ramsey on a recent visit to Afghanistan as part of a campaign to promote understanding and co-operation. Watch the footage of their trip here.

The delegation met tribal leaders, religious scholars and saw firsthand Britain’s work in partnership with the Afghan government to reduce poppy cultivation through promoting alternative livelihoods amongst Afghan farmers in the Nad- e- Ali province.

There have been several reports in the Arab media accusing Britain and France of taking action to abort the UN General Assembly’s discussion of the Goldstone report. These are utterly false.

Britain is playing its full part in the debate and - along with its EU partners
- is fully engaged with the Palestinians on the content of a draft resolution.

Britain is continuing these negotiations in earnest and in good faith. The EU will be issuing a statement at the UNGA debate on the Goldstone Report later today.