KABUL is progressing towards peace and self-reliance that will be a keystone of stability in the region.
“We are bringing to life our vision of connectivity, cooperation, and economic growth for our region where Afghanistan, as Asia’s roundabout, once again plays the central role it always has,” Mohib told the ministerial meeting of the 18th Summit of the heads of state and government of the Non-Aligned Movement in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The gains made in Afghanistan over the past two decades in economic development, education, human rights, and institution-building were the result of multilateral partnerships and demonstrated the significance of international cooperation, he added.
Mohib said: “We will continue to build upon the gains of the past two decades and pro-actively seek to strengthen our partnerships through international platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement.”
About the Sept 28 presidential election, he said, regardless of which candidate won the election, a key priority for everyone was building a comprehensive and inclusive peace process geared at achieving a political settlement to the conflict.
“Our people want peace and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is fully committed to it.”
He said the Afghan government was pursuing a comprehensive 7-point plan aimed at building on the progress made together with international partners thus far.
“Moving forward, we are forging pathways at the national, regional, and international levels so that inclusive engagement and consensus and coordination at every level can be the new foundation for a sustainable peace process. “
“But peace will require genuine commitment from all sides, including the Taliban. I called on the Taliban three weeks ago at the UN to renounce violence and negotiate with Afghans. I repeat that call today. “
The Taliban killed nearly a quarter million Afghans in the past two decades and they must stop killing of Afghans and agree to an immediate ceasefire, said Mohib.
“The Taliban’s alternative to reconciliation is to face the brave Afghan Security and Defense Forces on the battlefield. We know, like the Taliban also know that is a futile path for them to choos.”
Mohib said the Afghan security forces were at front lines of a global fight against terrorism for the freedom of the entire region and the larger global community.
“Afghans have made enormous sacrifices that must be acknowledged. Recognizing the shared threats, our international partners have also fought this war shoulder to shoulder with us and we pay tribute to their sacrifices.”
“We Afghans will not quit, we know that peace is achievable and we are moving toward it in a sustainable manner, guided by the principles of inclusivity, dignity and sustainability. As we pursue peace, we will also continue to defend our population against terrorism, fear, and oppression. “
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