KABUL - Germany and France on Sunday during a meeting here in Kabul elected the year 2014 Afghan woman and said they would provide long-lasting support for the Afghan women.

A meeting was held at the French cultural center in Isteqlal High School in Kabul, where chairwoman for the Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Sima Samar, head of Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), Fatema Gailani, Afghanistan Women Union Chairwoman, Suraya Parlika, Ambassadors of France and Germany and some media persons had attended.

At the meeting, minister of Women Affairs, Husson Banu Ghzanfar said Germany and France were planned to grant the year 2014 prize to an Afghan woman elected--a move to help beef up her achievement made for the Afghan women’s conditions development.

Gailani said the annual award is given to those women with high achievements in cultural, art, economy, craft, agriculture and other fields, in order to draw attention of the government to the talented women who are forgotten in different parts of the country.

German ambassador called return of the women in social spheres, after 2001, a positive change in Afghanistan.

French ambassador also spoke on the women role in the society and said, his country and Germany with new strategy represent the European Union were committed for continuation of cooperation with Afghanistan.

Head of the elected arbitrary penal, Sima Samar said the prize was expected to be announced in March 8, and given to an art activist.

She said France and Germany would provide financial support for one of the winning projects, working for boosting art in the country. (WNA)