Remarks by H.E. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan At the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting Brussels, 2 December 2014 Mr. Secretary General Thank you for the kind invitation to be in Brussels today. My colleagues and I were delighted to host you in Kabul last month, and also honoured you chose to visit Afghanistan soon after your appointment as NATO’s new Secretary General. Allow me to once again wish you much success in your new position, and thank NATO for re-affirming its commitment to Afghanistan’s security and stability. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am also pleased that Ambassador Maurits Jochems, NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, is with us today. As he leaves his position to embark on new endeavours, we very much appreciate his contributions to NATO-Afghan relations, and wish him much success in the future. I also congratulate in-coming Ambassador, my friend Ismail Aramaz on his recent appointment as NATO’s new Civilian Representative to Afghanistan. We look forward to working with him in the way forward. This is my first address to a joint gathering of NATO-ISAF partners in my capacity as Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. It is a pleasure to be among the many friends and partners that make up this historic mission, to remember and honour your sacrifices, and express the Afghan people’s appreciation to all of your nations for continuing to stand by us. Ladies and Gentlemen, Over a decade ago, we began our partnership with the Alliance and other contributing nations within the framework of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Soon after, NATO took lead of ISAF’s mission and expanded its presence in all provinces through a four-staged process. Over this period of time, NATO-ISAF has been an important factor of stability in Afghanistan, providing essential support in a number of areas, in addition to the security sector. From combating terrorism, to helping build-up our security forces; and from supporting development and social projects, to helping us convene consecutive presidential and parliamentary elections, NATO has been a key partner to Afghanistan. Our people know that this has not only been a anti-terrorism mission, not only a combat mission, but also an attempt at freeing space to allow for reconstruction and development, promote democratic governance, and defend human and gender rights. In line with bilateral decision to modify the current mission by Dec. 31 2014, we embarked on a challenging security transition process. We are satisfied, and appreciative as the transition process will soon be complete. Today, the men and women of our security forces are enthusiastically engaged in assuring security at the provincial and district levels. The latest hard battles waged in several provinces are testament to the courage, and dedication of our army, police, intelligence agencies, and nascent air-force. However, as we are fully aware the end of the transition process does not translate into mission accomplished, as new threats and new actors in our wider region pose new risks, while known extremists continue to terrorizes our people on daily basis. Furthermore, our national security forces have not yet matured to their full potential. Not only will it be essential continue the training, assisting and supporting of our forces, as pledged at the Chicago and Wales Summits, but it is obvious that the components that make up our air-force, also be urgently equipped, and development, proportionate to existing challenges. In September, the National Unity Government signed the Bilateral Security Agreement, and the Status of Forces Agreements, which were recently ratified by our National Assembly, provide the foundation for a new phase of our security and defence cooperation. Through this new mission, we expect our security forces to reach their full potential and operational capability, sooner rather than later. We hope that our forces will be provided the full range of enablers, in terms of weaponry and air-support. On the peace process front, we are opening doors and will aim for a durable and just peace for all our people. The new approach will require a strong consensus at home and cooperative regional efforts, and the support of the international community at large. Ladies and Gentlemen, As we pursue our Economic Transition, and progress towards fiscal sustainability, we will not shy away from our commitment to increase our fiscal contributions to our national security budget. That said, we cannot overstate the importance of continued financial assistance by the international community, to ensure the sustainability of our security forces. I take this opportunity to reiterate our appreciation for your invaluable support and contribution for stability and security in Afghanistan. Together, we have come along way, but our overall goal remains a work in progress. As are gathered here today – on eve of a new beginning in our partnership - we call for your continued support in helping us to realize an Afghanistan that is at peace, and a catalyst for regional and global security. In conclusion, I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice over the past thirteen years for the sake of peace and stability in Afghanistan, our region and the world. Let us honour their sacrifice by successfully completing the mission they set out to achieve. I Thank You!
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 06:26:55 +0000
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