CANBERRA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on Sunday announced that Australia will provide an extra 7 million Australian dollars (5.95 million U.S. dollars) in aid to Afghanistan.

    Downer met with Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai in Kabul Saturday during an unannounced visit to the war-torn country.

    He said the money demonstrated Australia's ongoing support for the "critical task of establishing peace and democracy."

    "I underlined Australia's resolve to support Afghanistan in the vital work of defeating the Taliban and establishing a secure and prosperous future," Downer said, adding "President Karzai conveyed his deep appreciation for Australia's sustained commitment to his country, and the significant contribution this is making."

    He said he agreed that significant challenges remain, which will only be overcome with ongoing international support and cooperation.

    The money includes 2.5 million dollars (2.125 million U.S. dollars) for the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, which is administered by the World Bank and helps the government with reconstruction and building health and education services.

    Another 2.5 million dollars will be allocated to the U.N. Mine Action Center for Afghanistan to help remove landmines and exploded ordinance.

    A further 1 million (850,000 U.S. dollars) will be used to increase the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission's capability, and another 1 million dollars to help Ministry of Finance staff improve their fiscal policy and strategic planning.

    The funding comes on top of a 150 million-dollar (127.5 million U.S. dollars) aid pledge in January 2006 to help improve security and services in Afghanistan, raise literacy and encourage alternatives to poppy production.