ISTANBUL: The day long Istanbul Regional Conference hosted jointly by Turkey and Afghanistan here on Wednesday concluded with adoption of declaration to join hands to ensure peace, security, development and prosperity in Afghanistan by the international community.
The Istanbul Regional Conference was attended by over 29 foreign ministers, senior officials and representatives of neighbouring countries of Afghanistan and other key players. Turkish President Abdullah Gul inaugurated the day long conference which was also addressed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, foreign ministers of neighbouring countries and representatives of other international organizations which are playing an active role for ensuring peace and security in the region.
Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Afghanistan Ahmet Davutoglu and Zalmai Rassoul addressing a joint press conference here after the conclusion of the Istanbul Regional Conference giving the details said they are confident that Istanbul Declaration adopted here would be implemented to ensure peace and security in Afghanistan and in the region.The declaration included a broad range of effective Confidence Building Measures to promote a secure and stable Afghanistan in a secure, stable and prosperous region.
The delegates said the international community and especially the neighbours of Afghanistan are confident that they will implement the declaration.The participants reaffirmed their desire for enhanced cooperation for fighting terrorism, including through exchange of information.The declaration emphasized the need for cooperation and interaction with Afghanistan and among regional countries in counter narcotics and trafficking of illegal goods.
The Istanbul Regional Conference was the first in a series of international conferences on Afghanistan over the next six months.It will be followed by Bonn conference on 5 December which will provide an opportunity for the international community to reiterate its long term commitment to Afghanistan and for all parties to commit to making progress on key development priorities.It will be followed by Chicago conference in May next year that will focus on international funding for the Afghan National Security Forces after 2014. – APP
