The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United Nations hosted a reception on Wednesday, jointly with the Permanent Mission of Germany, to mark the opening of a photography exhibition entitled "Afghanistan - The Country and its People."

The exhibition showcases more than a hundred photographs by the renowned German photographer Mr. Helmut R. Schulze taken in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2008. The photographs display the breathtaking landscapes and eloquent faces of Afghanistan, showing an alluring and intriguing country that is often eclipsed in the media by images of war and devastation. Although depicting the poverty and isolation of many of the inhabitants, Mr. Schulze's photographs nevertheless show an enduring, patient people dedicated to survival despite the difficulties.