One of the Kiwi soldiers of the NZPRT in Afghanistan performs the ceremonial challenge to welcome Laura Bush. NZDF photo.

First Lady Laura Bush visits New Zealand troops in Afghanistan

United States First Lady Laura Bush visited New Zealand troops working in Afghanistan as part of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT). Her visit, on Sunday, was part of her third unannounced visit to Afghanistan, and occurred ahead of the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, to be held in Paris on June 12.

Mrs Bush was greeted by the New Zealand troops with a traditional challenge and haka before meeting with members of the NZPRT, including the NZPRT Commander, Colonel Darryl Tracy. Following the greeting, Mrs Bush remarked that the NZPRT has been very effective in Afghanistan.

“And I can also say on behalf of President Bush and me and the people of the United States, thank you so much for standing with us here in Afghanistan. Everything this PRT from New Zealand has done has been very effective, and we thank you very, very much,” she said.

Colonel Tracy replied that the NZDF personnel enjoy their work in Bamiyan.

“We are a small nation with a small Defence Force but we appreciate very much the relationship we have been able to forge with our United States coalition partners. We enjoy working beside them and under their command.”

The First Lady’s three hour trip to Bamiyan province included a visit to an Afghanistan National Police training centre where New Zealand Police officers mentor training instructors, an orphanage, a women’s business workshop and a ground breaking ceremony for a new road in the Bamiyan bazaar.