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Bush, Karzai To Hold Talks VOA News 28 Jan 2002 10:02 UTC 
During their White House meeting Monday, the two leaders are expected to focus on rebuilding war-torn Afghanistan and the ongoing battle against the Taleban and the al-Qaida terrorist network. Mr. Karzai will attend the President's State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday.
The Afghan leader says security is a major concern in his country. He is expected to discuss military operations in his meeting with Mr. Bush and to push for the expansion of the multinational security force now operating in the capital, Kabul, to the rest of the country.
Mr. Karzai arrived in the United States Sunday, first joining Afghan-Americans for a prayer service at a mosque outside. Later he spoke to thousands of Afghan-Americans at Georgetown University in Washington, urging them to use their skills, training and money to help rebuild Afghanistan. Mr. Karzai said those returning home to help would have the benefit of dual citizenship.
During his four-day visit, Mr. Karzai will hold talks with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, visit Capitol Hill, re-open the Afghan embassy, and visit the sites of the September terror attacks at the Pentagon and in New York City.
Mr. Karzai is the first Afghan leader to officially visit the United States in 39 years. This is not his first trip to the United States. He has relatives who own successful restaurants in several cities, including near Washington. Mr. Karzai also testified before a Senate panel on Afghanistan more than a year ago when he was living in exile in Pakistan.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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