UN Security Council mission visited Kabul: Central Asian integration efforts recognized a key to recovery of Afghanistan
On 13-15 January, the UN Security Council delegation paid a visit to Afghanistan organized on initiative of current presiding country of Kazakhstan. The first visit since 2010 gave the opportunity to reiterate the Security Council’s support for the Government and people of Afghanistan and their efforts to restore peace, stability and progress to the country, says press release of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
Council members assessed the progress achieved by the Afghan National Unity Government, with the assistance of the international community and outlined the future areas of efforts by the Security Council.
During the visit to Kabul, the delegation had a separate meetings with the President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and other senior officials, heads of ministries and departments, members of parliament, representatives of NGOs, civil society, political parties, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and NATO’s Resolute Support Mission.
The main emphasis during the discussions was made on the political, security, socio-economic and humanitarian situation in the country.
According to common opinion, the inclusive Afghan-led and -owned peace process is a key to for lasting stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and Security Council confirmed the commitment to support efforts aimed at bringing peace and reconciliation.
The election authorities of Afghanistan acquainted the delegation with preparations for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, to be held in 2018 and 2019 correspondingly. The parties stressed the importance of further reforms in this area and ensuring gender equality in election process.
Discussions in Kabul called the integration of Afghanistan into economic environment of Central Asia a critical factor. This can be achieved through implementation of regional infrastructure, trade, investment, transit and transportation projects.
In this context, Afghan government expressed hope for the rapid realization of projects such as TAPI and CASA-1000, the development of railway corridors from Central Asian countries, China and Iran to South Asia by transit via Afghanistan, as well as the development of the ports of Gwadar and Chabahar to provide Central Asian countries with access to open waters.
The parties also called for better coordination of efforts between UN agencies and regional organizations operating in the region.
The visit of the UN Security Council delegation preceded the Kabul Process meeting, planned for February 2018, during which Afghanistan to present plans for a more structured peace and security process, synchronized with the wider region.
