بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

 

Your Excellency President Ilham Heydar Oglu Aliyev,

 

Excellencies Heads of state and governments,

 

Distinguished delegates,

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to address the 12th Summit Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in the beautiful city of Baku. I would like to thank Turkey, particularly my brother, H.E. Prime Minister Rajib Tayb Urgoghan for the effective chairmanship of the ECO summit in the past two years.

At the outset, allow me to congratulate my brother, H.E. President Ilham Aliyev on his election as the Chairman of the summit and to express my gratitude and that of my delegation to the people of Azerbaijan for the warm and generous hospitality extended to us.

 

Also, I thank the Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and its working groups for their hard work in preparing the required documents and proposals that have facilitated the discussions among the member states.

 

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen!

Historically, geographically as well as culturally, Afghanistan remains an inseparable member of the two regions, Central Asia and the South Asia. With the peoples of the ECO member states, we enjoy strong and deep historical and cultural ties. In other words, together, we have inherited a great culture and civilization that remain as shared values to bond us perpetually.

 

I firmly believe that the region to which ECO member states belong is home to rich and ample resources and available opportunities that if used properly, can overcome most of the current problems. Our region has the potential to turn into a hub of inclusive cooperation and integration. The young, dynamic and hard working population, plus the abundance in natural resources have provided the potential for some countries to progress. However, the current trend of globalization makes it even more compelling that we take regional integration to its optimal level.

 

Building and strengthening regional cooperation remains among the top priorities of our foreign policies. The conferences held in Kabul, New Delhi, Islamabad, Istanbul, Dushanbe and the more recently in Istanbul and Kabul under “Heart of Asia”, demonstrate Afghanistan’s resolute determination to pursue stronger regional cooperation.

 

I believe implementing regional economic and transit projects can be the most practical measures to achieve regional integration. It was in line with this vision that the RECCA-V held this March in Dushanbe discussed 17 projects and priorities for stronger regional cooperation. To achieve the goals of inter-regional and international trade growth, Afghanistan and its neighbors will make every effort to implement transit infrastructures such as roads and railroads, and to provide a conducive mutual environment for increased investment, stronger trade and expanded communications to the regional water ports and to enhance stronger cultural and people-to people contacts.

To promote and facilitate stronger regional cooperation, Afghanistan is working with all relevant countries to finalize major regional projects such as TAPI gaz pipeline and the CASA-1000 energy projects.

 

Furthermore, Afghanistan is making all efforts to realize the land connectivity projects that link east to west of the country and to further extend the existing roads. The railway from Uzbekistan to Hiratan – Mazar-e-Sharif is currently in use. Afghanistan is working to extend the Herat railway that connects west and north-east of the country to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and to Pakistan via Kandahar through the Chaman border in the south..

 

Given the fact that the volume of investment in the ECO region is still much lower than the needs and the available potential, Afghanistan believes that the ECO Member countries need to intensify their actions to promote mutual investment and increased private sector development through the ECO Trade and Development Bank.

 

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen!

I believe, the ECO member countries are facing common threats and problems, on top of which lies terrorism. The vile attempt on the life of Malala Yousufzai is one of thousands of examples that clearly shows no one can be safe from the threat of terrorism. This menace has no mercy even on our children and their quest for education. As an obvious act of terror, this ruthless attack can be a serious warning to all of us. Let’s be honest in acknowledging that terrorism enjoys safe havens and facilities in our region and can not be defeated without sincere and joint effort by all of us. In addition to the terrorist groups active in Afghanistan, the international terrorist organizations such as Alqaeda, Uzbekistan Islamic Movement (UIM), Tahreek Taliban of Pakistan (TTP), the East Turkistan Movement and Chechen terrorists have presence in our region, and have been receiving training to carry out destructive acts for several years now.

 

With countless sacrifices, Afghan forces have also been confronting terrorists that are intent upon using our territory to cross into some of the Central Asian States and even Russia and China. These groups, while trying to encroach on our neighboring countries, have attacked Afghan forces, our political leaders, our scholars and civilians,  and have acted to destroy our schools, public and private property.

Afghanistan has done everything in its power to prevent such attempts. Our neighbors should recognize and respect our sacrifices especially in fighting the central Asian extremists. Meanwhile, it is also legitimate to expect our neighbors to contain, on their part, the entry of terrorists into our soil and commit all resources to dismantling the terrorists’ training and equipping facilities on their soil. Afghanistan expects an earnest cooperation in this regard.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Narcotics and organized crimes are among the major problems our region is facing. It would be very naive to see this issue as restricted to one country. Afghan farmers are at the receiving end of the illicit business. Afghans are paying the price by suffering immense sacrifices in the counternarcotics war and their legitimate economy is enduring a great deal of damage. However, the real profits go to the international smuggling networks and their supporters. The narcotics issue is a complex international problem. It is a problem that includes the whole criminal chain of cultivation, production and supply for consumption in markets.  Therefore, it is imperative that we enhance cooperation on sharing intelligence, coordinating counter narcotics actions on borders and the supply issue of chemical precursors originating from outside Afghanistan. This is the only way to effectively combat this scourge.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished colleagues,

 

Since 2002, Afghanistan has opened a new chapter in its political life. Today more than ever before, our national institutions have gained the ability to serve our people and protect the country. The considerable progress that we have achieved in promoting democracy, public participation in political processes and in economic and social development has benefited all our people.

 

Therefore, it is an integral part of our political life to protect a legitimate political system created by the free will of its people. With the departure in 2014 of foreign troops from Afghanistan, not only would nothing unpredictable take place, but also the security would be better than today, with government and state institutions stronger and more capable.  Today, security has improved considerably in the areas where responsibility has been transitioned to the Afghan government.

 

We hope our borders to be the borders of peace and cooperation, and our country restores its historical role to serve as a land-bridge connecting Central to South Asia and China to the Middle East. The realization of this hope goes in concert with the strategic goals of the ECO organization and I believe every member state agrees with me.

 

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen!

In conclusion, let me once again reaffirm Afghanistan’s commitment to a stronger and more enhanced cooperation within the ECO framework. I wish you all health and prosperity.

 

Thank you very much

Source: United Nations Security Council press release

Welcoming national assumption of security responsibilities in Afghanistan while acknowledging continued challenges in completing that process, the Security Council this afternoon decided to extend the authorization of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in that country for the twelve months ending 13 October 2013.

 

Through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2069 (2012), the Council also authorized Member States participating in ISAF to take all measures to fulfil the Force’s mandate, which is laid out in resolutions 1386 (2001) and 1510 (2003).  It called upon all Member States to support the stability of Afghanistan and the transition to full security responsibility by the Afghan Government country-wide by the end of 2014.

 

In that regard, it welcomed the “strong commitment” of the Government, with the support of ISAF nations, to build a strong Afghan National Security Force that was capable of providing “peace, security and stability to all Afghans operating under effective civilian leadership and in accordance with the rule of law, respecting human rights and capable of contributing to the region’s security”.  It also welcomed agreements to further develop the Enduring Partnership of the Government and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) through 2014 and beyond in the interest of the country’s continued stability.

Mr. Chairman,

Thank you for convening today’s annual coordination meeting of the OIC.  Let me first convey the best wishes of the people and Government of Afghanistan to all esteemed participants.  We thank Kazakhstan for its chairmanship of our organization, and reassure you, Mr. Chairman, of our full support in the way forward!

I join previous speakers in expressing pleasure at the presence of H.E. Ekmeleddin Ehsanoghlu, Secretary General of the OIC among us.   And we thank him for his fortitude and commitment to the overall success of our organization.

Mr. Chairman,

We meet at a time in which our Ummah, and the rest of the world, are still faced with a multitude of challenges, threatening our collective well-being.  Over the past year, we have seen armed conflicts escalate; poverty and destitution persist; and humanitarian crises strike at alarming rates.  Regrettably, these challenges have threatened the well-being of millions of our brothers and sisters worldwide.

The gravity of the situation calls for a renewed commitment.  We must work continue to give priority to the implementation of the Ten Year Plan of Action.  Doing so will help us revitalize our organization’s role in the pursuit of a more safe and prosperous world order.  We must harness the true potential in light of our strength as the second largest inter-governmental organization.

As a founding member of the OIC, Afghanistan has always attached high importance to the work of our organization. We have for long and consistently maintained a policy of brotherhood, solidarity and harmony with all members of our organization.  We will continue this path, and stand in support of our brothers and sisters as they venture to realize their national aspirations.

Mr. Chairman,

In relation to the situation in Afghanistan, I have the pleasure to note that, since my address to last year’s annual coordination meeting, Afghanistan has taken epic steps towards securing the vision we set out eleven years ago:  an Afghanistan which is fully stable and prosperous, and able to meet its own needs.   To that effect, the Transition Process, commenced in July of last year, is being implemented steadily.  Stage 3 of the process will be completed by November of this year – by which 75 percent of the Afghan population’s security will be provided by Afghan soldiers and police officers. We are on track to meet our overall goal of full security responsibility by the middle of 2013 and the full implementation of the transition process by the end of 2014.

The people of Afghanistan are enthusiastic about our long-term partnership with our international friends.  Alongside the security effort, we are working diligently on the development and governance pillars of Transition. The Tokyo Conference this July put in place a solid framework of cooperation for Afghanistan’s sustainable growth and economic development for years to come.  We are grateful for the participation of a significant number of brotherly countries from the OIC in Tokyo; and we count on the continued support of the organization in the way forward.

Mr. Chairman,

Afghanistan’s reconciliation efforts have gained momentum.  The work of the High Peace Council has been revitalized with the appointment of its new Chair; the Council is busily engaged in comprehensive outreach both inside and outside Afghanistan.  Having concluded its visit to Saudi Arabia, a high-level delegation of the Council, headed by Chairman Salahuddin Rabbani, will soon visit Pakistan for result-oriented discussions on ways to move the peace process forward.  We are particularly grateful for the OIC’s support for the success of our reconciliation efforts and call on member states to do whatever they can to help us realize the aspiration and right of the Afghan people for a lasting and just peace.

Mr. Chairman,

Despite our progress on various fronts, the challenges facing Afghanistan are many, and they are daunting.  The people of Afghanistan are still witness to a brutal cycle of violence, orchestrated and carried out by the enemies of peace in our country.  These are elements who cannot tolerate seeing us fulfill our quest for peace and prosperity.  Afghanistan is a proud and resilient nation that has overcome enormous challenges throughout its history.  As part of our experience, we have been at the forefront in the global fight against terrorism for over a decade now.  We have made great sacrifices, and suffered immensely in our struggle – indeed more than any other country in the world. Nonetheless, we are steadfast in our commitment to eliminate terrorism from our society, and renew our call for sincere and practical joint efforts to eliminate this deadly menace from our region and the wider world.

Mr. Chairman,

Far too often, terrorists seek to justify their actions under the pretext of Islam. As a result, terrorism is unjustly associated with our religion. The OIC, as an organization representing our Ummah, must act in unity to combat Islamophobia.  As called for in the OIC’s Ten Year Plan of Action, we must enhance dialogue on ways to better emphasize the core values of Islam, namely peace, tolerance, understanding and co-existence.   Undoubtedly, a successful fight against terrorism will not be achieved without a concerted international effort.  We welcome recent steps taken towards the establishment of the international center on combating terrorism, paving the way for greater international collaboration.

Afghanistan deplores in the strongest terms the production of the recent derogatory film, insulting the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and the core values of Islam.  We reiterate our long-held position that freedom of speech should, by no means, be interpreted as a green light for defamation of prophets, religions and beliefs.  By the same token, we should not allow such acts to undermine our shared goal of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence among all religions and civilizations.

Mr. Chairman,

The overall situation in the Middle East remains demands our urgent attention.   Achieving a just and peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is long overdue.   Afghanistan stands in full solidarity with the Palestinian people in their quest for their national rights, including the right to an independent Palestinian state.  We also support all efforts of the Palestinian leadership to become a full member of the United Nations family.

With regard to Syria, we are deeply saddened by the untold sufferings brought upon the people of that country by the ongoing cycle of violence.  We are convinced that a more proactive role by the OIC would help achieve a lasting resolution to the Syrian conflict.  The appointment of H.E. Lakhtar Brahimi, as the new Joint UN-Arab League Special Envoy for Syria, is a timely development, which provides new hope for the restoration of a durable peace in Syria.  It goes without saying that the role of the OIC remains essential in helping to end the conflict in that country.

Meanwhile, in Mali, increased acts of terrorism have led to serious concerns that the situation in that country is deteriorating.  And in Myanmar, we are deeply concerned about the plight of the Rohingya people in Myanmar, who are facing an unjustifiable humanitarian catastrophe.  Rohingya Muslims have for long been rightful citizens of Myanmar, playing an important role in the social, economic and political life of the country.

We must fulfill our moral responsibility as an organization in enabling them to regain their historic and rightful place and legal status in that country.

Mr. Chairman,

In view of the multitude of challenges facing our Ummah, we cannot overemphasize the importance of dialogue, and cooperation for effective solutions in overcoming them.  Afghanistan is convinced that such collaboration, conducted in a spirit of solidarity and harmony, will be an asset in furthering our collective goals.

In that context, we thank, once again, His Majesty King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for his initiative in convening the fourth Islamic Solidarity Summit of the OIC last month in Makkah-Al-Mukkaramah.  Afghanistan was a proud participant at that historic gathering; and we reiterate our full support of the Summit’s outcome, including the adoption of the four resolutions on the situations in Syria, Palestine, Myanmar and Mali.

Mr. Chairman,

I wish to also reiterate Afghanistan’s appreciation to the OIC for its solidarity with and support for Afghanistan as we continue our journey towards self-reliance, a lasting peace and prosperity.

I thank you!