The United States First Lady, Laura Bush, has made a brief visit to Afghanistan.
Mrs Bush met with US troops at a base at Bagram near the capital, Kabul.
Mrs Bush also made an address at Kabul University highlighting women's role in democracy.
Referring to last October's presidential elections in the country, she said: 'Democracy is more than just elections. The survival of a free society ultimately depends on the participation of all of its citizens, both men and women.'
She also met a group of Afghan women and girls to offer her support for the country's advances in women's rights.
Mrs Bush also announced grants worth $21.2 million for the construction of an American University of Afghanistan and an International Elementary School of Afghanistan.
The US President, George W Bush, has yet to visit the country but his wife said ‘he would love to go to Afghanistan’ some time in the future.
