President Ashraf Ghani on Monday afternoon spoke at the opening of an international meeting on “strengthening regional consensus for peace,” stressing the need for the support of neighboring and regional countries to participate in the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Representatives of 19 countries and international organizations attended the virtual meeting that was held at the Presidential Palace.
“We all are faced with the threat of terrorism, regional crime networks and extremism,” Ghani said. “The logic thought is that we stay together and Afghanistan as a roundabout of regional cooperation can play a good role in regional stability and prosperity.”
He said that international consensus to end the war is there, adding that “the support of regional and neighboring countries for regional consensus will help Afghanistan to achieve its goals on peace.”
On peace, Ghani said that “the peace process will face serious challenges if the Taliban continue the war.”
“Unfortunately, violence level is high compared to the last year. Recent reports by the UN showed that the Taliban is yet to implement their commitments– and maintain their ties with terrorist networks,” Ghani said.
Ghani said that the Afghan government has made big steps with the prisoner release, and the Taliban should quit violence and release the Afghan prisoners.
During the meeting, issues concerning Afghan peace and reconciliation process and support of the regional partners for an independent, unified, democratic and sovereign Afghanistan were discussed.
“India expressed support for a constitutional order in Afghanistan, which would protect the interest of all sections of Afghan society, including women, children and minorities. India highlighted the fact that in order to achieve durable peace in Afghanistan, putting an end to terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens is an essential pre-requisite,” MEA said in the statement.
India, one of the largest development partners of Afghanistan, with a commitment of more than USD 3 billion, reiterated the importance of an inclusive, Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan – controlled peace and reconciliation process.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending COVID 19 assistance to Afghanistan and for hosting SAARC leaders’ meeting for coordinated efforts in the region.
“President Ashraf Ghani thanked Prime Minister Modi for extending COVID 19 assistance to Afghanistan and for hosting SAARC leaders’ meeting for coordinated efforts in the region,” the statement read
