Date line: KABUL
Afghanistan's fledgling national army received a boost Wednesday when Poland donated hundreds of weapons to help the force fight militants who launch regular attacks against troops.
The gift of mortars, artillery and rounds is part of Warsaw's "friendly contribution" towards building the Afghan National Army, Poland's military attache Colonel Wlodzimierz Kasprycki said during a handover ceremony at the army training center in Kabul.
"This donation is part of our commitment to the Afghan National Army (ANA)," he said.
Poland has about 100 troops in the US-led coalition hunting remnants of the former Taliban regime and al-Qaeda militants in Afghanistan. The Polish soldiers are mainly involved in de-mining activities.
The eastern European country also has 21 troops in the NATO-led peacekeeping International Security Assistance Force.
The United States, France and Britain are leading international efforts to rebuild Afghanistan's army which currently numbers around 7,000 troops against a forecast eventual strength of 70,000. However the ANA, which was formed in May 2002, has been beset by hundreds of desertions.
Afghan officials said they appreciated the help from Poland, which has been rebuilding its ties with Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.
However, Deputy Defense Minister Baz Mohammed Jawhary also said that the ANA needed more support and equipment to boost its capacity against "the enemies of Afghanistan."
Officials from the United States praised the assistance from Poland, which is estimated to be worth more than 100,000 US dollars.
"It's a very good donation because it's mortars and ammunitions which will be used against the enemies of Afghanistan," US Brigadier General and Commander of Task Force Phoenix training the ANA, Thomas Mancino told AFP.
"A river is born a drop at a time," he said.
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