French President Jacques Chirac said on Friday he was "very delighted" with the release of Eric Damfreville who was kidnapped five weeks ago by Taliban militia in Afghanistan, according to statement issued by the presidential office.

"The president is very delighted with the release of our compatriot Eric Damfreville, a member of Terre d'Enfance," says the statement.

"He expressed his most profound thanks to all those who contributed towards his release and called for the release of all other hostages on humanitarian grounds," adds the statement.

Damfreville was abducted along with three Afghans and a French female colleague who was released on April 28.

Source: Xinhua