United Nations,21 nov(PTI): Afganisthan has stressed on its commitment to deepen cooperation with regional partners, saying that while national reconciliation was an Afghan-led process, neighbouring nations particularly Pakistan played a vital role in efforts to end the conflict and violence.
The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a draft resolution on the situation in Afghanistan encompassing areas of security and transition, peace, reconciliation and reintegration, governance, rule of law and human rights, social and economic development, regional cooperation, counter-narcotics and coordination.
The 193-member Assembly reiterated its serious concern about the security situation in Afghanistan and stressed the need to continue addressing the threat to security and stability caused by ongoing violent and terrorist activity by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other groups.
It asked all Member States to deny those groups any form of sanctuary and financial, material or political support.
Afghan Ambassador Zahir Tanin told the General Assembly that the newly elected President and the government of Afghanistan were vigorously pursuing a comprehensive reform programme focused on eliminating corruption, enhancing democratic accountability, governance and rule of law, and promoting economic growth and social development.
Expressing concern over the violence perpetrated by terrorists, extremists and illegal armed groups, Tanin said peace could not be achieved through military efforts alone.
He said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has called on all armed opponents of the government to enter political talks and play their part in building a stronger and successful nation.
National reconciliation was an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process, but regional and neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan, played an important role in their efforts to end the conflict, Tanin added.
“President Ghani initiated serious efforts to further a political settlement during his recent visits to Saudi Arabia, China and Pakistan and his meetings and conversations with the leaders of neighbouring, regional and partner countries,” he said.
Tanin said regional cooperation was not only key to peace and security, but also to prosperity in his country and the wider region, stressing that the Afghan government was committed to deepening cooperation with its neighbours and regional partners.
“Doing so would open the doors to a flourishing continental economy in the heart of Asia,” he said adding that Afghanistan had great potential to enhance the development and prosperity of the entire region by unlocking its capacity to serve as a hub for connectivity and trade across Asia.
Pakistan’s Ambassador Masood Khan said that his country had supported Afghanistan’s electoral process through enhancing security on their shared border.
Stressing that “past mistakes of abandoning Afghanistan should not be repeated,” Khan said that Afghanistan’s security institutions would require substantial assistance for years to come.
