Stockholm, Sep 6 (Xinhua) The European Union (EU) will strengthen its presence in Afghanistan, especially its political role there, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said here Saturday.

'We will be in Afghanistan for a long time to come. Our presence is politically oriented,' Bildt said at a news conference when the EU foreign ministers concluded their two-day informal meeting in Stockholm.

'On the subject of Afghanistan, we spoke about a strengthened political strategy and strengthening our action there, civil, economic and political action,' said Bildt, whose country holds the EU presidency.

Bildt also expressed deep regret over a devastating NATO air raid near the Afghan city of Kunduz Friday, which Afghan officials said killed at least 150 people, mostly civilians.

'This was a tragedy. I do not think we will win this war by killing,' the Swedish foreign minister said.

The EU foreign ministers also paid a big attention to the Middle East peace process.