Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday confirmed that his government received money from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, following reports of cash being handed over in suitcases and backpacks.

"Yes, the NSC of Afghanistan has received money from CIA in the past 10 years. The amount was not big, rather it was small," Karzai said in a statement, referring to the National Security Council which is part of the president's office. (AFP)