Monday July 11, 2016
Kabul (BNA) Excellencies, Heads of States and Governments,
Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished Delegates and Partners;
I want to start off by thanking our partners, each and every member state of NATO, as well as all other associate nations that have, since 2003 till now, helped us try to make Afghanistan a more secure and stable country.
Back in 2003, as foreign minister in the new transitional government, I clearly remember the discussions that eventually led to a wider international presence across Afghanistan. At a time when we Afghans were busy with the rebuilding of state security institutions, laying a democratic foundation for a constitutional political order, and attempting to revitalize our war-battered economy. NATO’s first-ever deployment beyond the Euro-Atlantic area, mandated by the United Nations, and under the umbrella of International Security Assistance Forces in Kabul and the surrounding areas in Afghanistan, was not only historic, but also proved to be the right decision given the domestic and regional dynamics at play back then. Unfortunately, some of these dynamics are still at play today.
Looking back at recent history, some of us failed to grasp, the strategy that enabled the reemergence of militant cells that enjoyed sanctuaries and staging grounds in our neighborhood. But that strategy, in the face of Afghan resolve and international steadfastness, has failed and I am certain, it will never succeed. During the past decade, thanks in large part to all of your nations’ generous contributions that made Afghanistan an example of international cooperation, and the role played by thousands of young military men and women personnel from more than 60 countries, the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces grew in numbers, and more importantly, in terms of capacities, heralding the end of the international combat engagement in 2014, and the start of a new era of cooperation and assistance under the Resolute Support mission.
Excellences, ladies and gentlemen, I can say with confidence that the Afghan nation benefited greatly from the NATO engagement, not only in the security sector, but also with the concurrent civilian deployments to bridge the gap between reconstruction and security in many parts of Afghanistan.
We are most touched and humbled by each and every man and woman, military and civilian, who served with honor and paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. Their sacrifices were not in vain, and serve a much greater cause affecting humanity as a whole, and those who seek a better and, safer and more democratic world. Alongside our own brave citizens, who have fallen, we salute all of your heroes, whose legacy forms a strong bond of friendship between our nations.
Excellences,
As we embark on a new chapter following the decisions taken made at the Wales Summit two years ago, I can also assure this audience that despite major efforts underway by our common foes to make significant gains during the 2015-16 battle seasons timeframe, our forces, assisted by your advisors and trainers, have thwarted enemy plans, albeit at a very high cost to our brave forces and our resilient civilian population.
We are grateful to NATO for the timely decisions taken made over the past two years, and now again, at this critical moment to renew the mission’s mandate, as well as President Obama’s principled decision to keep 8,400 troops in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is on the frontlines against various types of threats, including Taliban, Da’ish and Al-Qa’ida, and our partnership matters to our people as well as yours.
Afghanistan will do all that is necessary to fulfill its pledges, defend its people, protect its decade-long gains achievements, aim for a peaceful end to conflict, and continue to be a responsible member of the international community in our fight against terrorism and extremism.
Our experience shows that the Afghan chapter will eventually come to a satisfactory closure, once we act with strategic consistency and purpose, to aim for a just and lasting peace through talks – when and where they may take place. Both President Ghani and I, representing the National Unity Government, joined by the overwhelming majority of the Afghan people, thank every one of you, especially Poland for hosting this forum, and look forward to achieving our strategic goals for a stable Afghanistan, secure region and peaceful world.
