Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandrokovic led the Croatian delegation at the International Conference on Afghanistan, held 20th July 2010 in Kabul.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandrokovic led the Croatian delegation at the International Conference on Afghanistan, held 20th July 2010 in Kabul.
Minister Jandrokovic thanked the Afghan Government for organizing the Conference, describing it as an excellent opportunity for constructive agreements on the joint efforts regarding the future of Afghanistan. He pointed out that the Conference confirms the international community's dedication to the efforts that the Afghan Government is taking to strengthen the autonomy in security, governance and development.
As one of the key elements in the process of increased Afghan engagement he pointed out the transfer of the responsibility for security onto the Afghan security forces, adding that Croatia considers this to be the best way to speed up progress in the area of security and places great importance on it. Furthermore, he reminded that the Croatian forces are participating in ISAF since day one and would continue to give its contribution through the training of the Afghan security forces. In that regard, he said that nearly half of the Croatian contingent, to be deployed end-summer, would be involved in training the Afghan army and police. He also said that Croatia planned to form new instructor teams with the neighbouring countries that would train the Afghan security forces.
Minister Jandrokovic commended the Afghan Government's efforts in speeding up the necessary reforms, which would lead to a long-term economic growth and development of Afghanistan, as well as the wellbeing of the Afghan people. In that regard, he emphasized the importance of launching everyday-life economic projects, especially on the local level. He remarked that, according to Croatia's experiences, dealing with local communities is crucial as it not only improves the social conditions and offers new possibilities for the people, but also sends them a strong message that the government is working for their good.
The Afghan Government, as the Conference's host, has for the first time gathered in Kabul more than 70 delegations from the partnership countries, international and regional organizations, as well as financial institutions, to consider further joint activities of the Afghan Government and the international community in regard to the future of the country. The Conference was opened by Afghan President Hamid Karzai and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
The Afghan Government presented its plans for speeding up the reform processes in security, governance and development, which the international community representatives supported. During the course of the discussion, the participants place special importance on the necessity of a sustainable, consistent and coherent support for the building of Afghan national capacities on the state and local level. In that regard, the partnership countries reiterated their dedication to continuing the harmonization of donation programs with the Afghan national priorities, which should remain valid and feasible.
The Kabul Conference is ne of the key points of the Kabul Process – the complete transition to Afghan governance in security, as well as economic and social development of Afghanistan. Its concept is based on the international community's previous engagement and contribution (including this year's London Conference), as well as the Afghan Government's past achievements.
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