The Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Government today for the repair of the ministry building, damaged by the August 12 suicide bombing.

The agreement paves the way for the ministry to receive $1.7 million in U.S. Government funds for primary and secondary repair to the ministry building. Repairing the roof and making sure the building is adequate for the upcoming winter conditions will be the immediate focus while tending to interior repair — such as electrical, plumbing and repainting — will follow at a later stage.

U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry and Minister of Transportation and Civil Aviation Hamidullah Farooqi signed the MOU at the ministry headquarters.  USAID Mission Director William M. Frej and representatives of a number of national and international media attended the ceremony.

“We really appreciate the assistance and support of the United States for rebuilding the ministry building back to the operational status,” said Minister Farooqi.

“The United States Government is proud to work closely with the Afghan Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation in responding to this terrible attack,” Ambassador Eikenberry said. “We deeply regret the loss of life and damage to your facilities and we are committed to helping return the building to its full operational condition as soon as possible.”

“We are proud to support the rebuilding effort for the Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation,” said Director Frej.  “Repairing the damage from the terrible August tragedy demonstrates the collaborative effort between the Governments of Afghanistan and the United States.”