ISAF nations affirm long-term commitment to Afghanistan
 

April 03, 2008

NATO and ISAF nations participated in one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders in Bucharest to discuss many issues of great importance including Afghanistan.

The summit was also attended by President Hamid Karzai, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, EU Commission President Barroso, EU High Representative Solana, World Bank Managing Director Ms Okonjo-Iweala, and Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister.

President Karzai addressed the second day of the summit, dedicated for talks about Afghanistan and highlighted on the progress and challenges that Afghan nation has been experiencing. The President reiterated Afghan government’s determination to take an increasingly leading role for the security of the country and announced that the Afghan National Army plans to assume responsibility for Kabul by August 2008.


In an opening statement, Nato Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer applauded the progress made in the past six years in Afghanistan and said, “ Our collective presence here today signals that we are committed to Afghanistan for the long term, and that this is a comprehensive effort, civilian and military and more and more Afghan-led.”

Also in the summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ke Moon stressed that Afghanistan was on the UN priority and his organization would make every effort for an increased cooperation and coordination between Afghanistan and its international partners.

The ISAF contributing nations agreed on two documents for Afghanistan, the Comprehensive Political-Military Strategic Plan and the public declaration outlining ISAF’s Strategic Vision. This declaration sets out a clear vision guided by four principles: a firm and shared long-term commitment; support for enhanced Afghan leadership and responsibility; a comprehensive approach by the international community, bringing together civilian and military efforts; and increased cooperation and engagement withAfghanistan’s neighbors, especially Pakistan. 

The three leaders appeared for a press availability following the summit on Afghanistan. They all said that Heads of State and Government reconfirmed their long-term commitment to Afghanistan. They welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Eide from Norway as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan. They also supported the need for an enhanced UN role in coordinating civil and military efforts by the international community.