Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 20/07/2010
Kabul, 20 July 2010 Mr. President, Honorable Ministers, Distinguished Delegates, I wish to begin by extending my thanks to the Government of Afghanistan for its kind invitation extended to the OIC to attend this important international conference. I am confident that the outcome of the meeting will reconfirm the continued genuine international action and help bringing the agony of violence in this beautiful land to an end and to help the Government and people of Afghanistan rebuild their country. Mr. President, The issue of Afghanistan has been one of the most important issues prominently featured in the OIC’s agenda for almost three decades, and the OIC has always maintained a strong position in supporting this country. Apart from what the OIC has undertaken for Afghanistan in different fields, the OIC has also been an active part of the regional and international initiatives. As it was rightly reaffirmed in the Istanbul and London Conferences held in January 2010, we are also of the view that a comprehensive strategy needs to be taken forward by a greater Afghan leadership with the support of increased regional cooperation and more effective international partnership. The components of this comprehensive strategy attest the consensual belief that there is no purely military option in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the OIC Members reiterated their strong support and commitment to Afghanistan through the resolutions adopted at the 37th Council of Foreign Ministers held in Dushanbe on 18-20 May 2010. Mr. President, The OIC continues to fully support the Government of Afghanistan in its endeavors to bring peace, security and economic progress for the people of Afghanistan. President Karzai, in his inauguration speech, set out clear priorities for these purposes, and we strongly support his commitments to national reconciliation, good governance, rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and strong regional cooperation. We believe that holding the National Consultative Peace Jirga in early June 2010 was an important step in line with the intra-Afghan national reconciliation process. We hope that all concerned parties would further show their goodwill, flexibility and respect for the aspiration of the Afghan people for ending war and bringing lasting peace through inclusive dialogue and negotiations. The OIC is ready to work with the concerned stakeholders and contribute to the process of national reconciliation. At the same time, we believe that the issue of radical and erroneous interpretation of the teachings of religion should properly be addressed in order to promote moderate and tolerant peaceful coexistence between all the adherents of different schools of thoughts in Afghanistan. Instability in Afghanistan has clearly had immediate impact on the security in the region. Violent extremism and terrorism can target every state in the region. Drug traffickers are able to threaten the whole region and beyond. Poverty and underdevelopment in a part of the region can force people to seek refuge in the other parts and create enormous humanitarian and security problems. Regional cooperation on issues such as narcotics, refugees, cross-border crimes, terrorism, energy, infrastructure and trade is therefore central to regional security and development. Even the success of international efforts to foster security and economic development in Afghanistan is increasingly intertwined to a meaningful and coordinated role played by the states in the region. Current situation on the ground and lessons learnt from efforts undertaken so far in Afghanistan would lead us to a more comprehensive, realistic and integrated approach, at the center of which there should be more focus on potentials and capabilities of the region. Fortunately, the countries in the region, mindful of their responsibilities, have often showed their political will to bring peace, security and lasting stability to Afghanistan and to the region through a collective strategy and joint action. In this regard, I am glad to note that the countries in the region reiterated their commitment to help bring peace and security to Afghanistan at the Regional Summit which was held in Istanbul in January 2010. I would also like to express our appreciation and commend for the signing of the Agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the two important OIC Member States. With regard to the fact that 5 neighboring countries of Afghanistan are members of the OIC, the OIC has actively supported and facilitated regional cooperation towards peace and security in Afghanistan. Furthermore, in order to have a more effective involvement of the Organization in Afghanistan, and following the proposal of the Governments of UAE and Turkey and based on the decision taken by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during their meeting in May 2010 held in Dushanbe, I will soon appoint a permanent representative of the OIC to Afghanistan. Mr. President, The OIC has been contributing to the socio-economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and will continue to do so. In this regard, we have undertaken important steps through the OIC Assistance Fund for the Afghan people in order to provide humanitarian assistance particularly in health and education sectors. We have also been providing assistance to Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons, securing drinking water for some Afghan villages and contributing to international efforts in the field of reconstruction. In conclusion, I would like to pledge once more, our full support to the regional and international efforts to assist Afghanistan. The OIC is also ready to assume a prominent role in providing the space for political engagement on Afghanistan, as it was the case in the 1980s. Thanks for your kind attention.
