KABUL, says President Ashraf Ghani.
Addressing the 18th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Baku, he renewed Kabul’s committed to bringing peace to the region.
He extended a hand of friendship to all neighbours and renewed the offer of peace to the Taliban.
“Afghanistan of today is not that of 18 years ago. Democracy is getting established in the country,” he remarked.
The president referred to successful parliamentary elections, followed by what he called the most transparent and inclusive presidential vote.
He said the Afghan forces had sacrificed over 35,000 lives while uphold Afghanistan’s dignity and constitutional order.
Ghani added rule of law and governance were being established. The enactment of 400 pieces of legislation gave the Afghan constitution full meaning, he continued.
Afghanistan was becoming an Asian roundabout instead of a landlocked country, said the president, who was proud of his country serving as a hub of connectivity.
Afghan women, speaking for themselves, were occupying positions of influence and authority, the president said.
In the wake of a series of positive changes, he noted, Afghanistan was now ready for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
“We are seeking self-reliance and have been able to increase our revenue by 90%. We are determined to double [our revenue] every two years.”
The president said a democratic, secure and prosperous Afghanistan would be an asset to its neighbours, to its Asian partners and to the world.
The threat of terrorism required a different type of coordination, Ghani said, stressing the need for adherence to the Bandung Principles.
The president thanked the United States for its assistance to Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism.
Representatives of 158 countries and international organisations attended the summit, including ministers of foreign affairs, heads of state and government and other senior representatives.
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