Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul today continued his bilateral meetings with a number of senior UN officials and counterparts along the sidelines of the 65^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Earlier today, he met separately with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Norway and Croatia at UN Headquarters.

During his meetings Foreign Minister Rassoul briefed his Danish, Norwegian and Croatian counterparts on the recent parliamentary elections, Afghanistan’s reintegration and reconciliation efforts, and national strategy towards Afghanization of the security, development and governance process.

Foreign Minister Rassoul noted that the recent elections were “a great success towards consolidation of democracy” in Afghanistan. He asserted that despite a difficult security situation, the elections saw wide-participation from all ethnic groups and segments of society. In that regard, he particularly highlighted the unprecedented number of women candidates and voters.

Foreign Minister Rassoul discussed Afghanistan’s reintegration and reconciliation initiative. He informed his counterparts on the establishment of the “High Peace Council,” which is working to implement the peace-jirga’s recommendations.

Moreover, he informed his counterparts of the recently established “Transition Committee,” which is working to ensure Afghanistan’s self-reliance in the areas of security, development and governance.

The Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Norway and Croatia praised Afghans for their courage and determination in going to polls and taking part in the elections in a difficult security environment.  Moreover, they expressed the continued commitment of their governments to ensuring Afghanistan’s security and development.

Additionally, the Foreign Minister of Denmark invited Foreign Minister Rassoul to pay an official visit to Copenhagen in November of this year to meet with senior Danish officials, and deliver a speech at the Danish parliament.