Karzai links regional prosperity to Afghanistan’s uplift

KABUL’s development.

The president’s office said Karzai thanked Yerzhan Kazykhanov for Kazakhstan’s support to Afghanistan for observer status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The president said more development in Afghanistan meant ensuring a prosperous future for the region, calling Kazakhstan’s role in this regard important. He stressed the need for increased bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Kazykhanov said diplomatic ties between the two countries were more than 20 years old, with Astana interested in expanded relations. He added his country supported strengthening Afghan security forces, promising $2 million in assistance for the purpose.  

“Regional countries should cooperate with each other and step up joint efforts in the fight against extremism,” the visiting dignitary said. He expressed grief over a recent earthquake that killed at least 90 people in northern Baghlan province.

The foreign minister also congratulated Afghanistan on securing SCO observer status.

Meanwhile, Karzai met with Organisation of Islamic Conference Secretary General Akmaluddin Ihsan Oglo. They stressed the need for unity among Islamic countries and improved regional cooperation against terrorism.

Oglo said the OIC supported Afghanistan’s peace process and appreciated the Afghan government’s efforts at strengthening peace.

mm/ma/mud