Kazakhstan ready to guarantee delivery of specific volumes of grain and fuel to Afghanistan upon condition of safe transit - Kazykhanov
Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Kazykhanov has said at the International Conference on Afghanistan in Bonn (Germany) on December 5.
As the Minister noted, the agenda of this conference covers a wide range of issues, from the peace process to the economic recovery of Afghanistan. And the participants could address at least three issues. "We can take stock of the efforts of the international community over the past 10 years. We can identify the goals for the near future or, at least, adjust our joint efforts regarding Afghanistan. We can also consider new ideas that could in practical terms improve the situation in the country," he said.
As Y.Kazykhanov noted, 'Istanbul process', for example, has shown the commitment of the participating States to the strengthening of confidence-building measures and assisting the process of integration of Afghanistan in the life of the region. In particular, we have reaffirmed such important principles for Afghanistan - and the entire region - as territorial integrity and non-intervention, the United Nations' priority role, as well as equal and indivisible security. The 12th International Contact Group Meeting, held in Astana after the recent conference in Istanbul and before today's event in Bonn, was attended by the representatives from more than 50 countries and international organizations. Together, we discussed the 'road map' for the upcoming forums and reaffirmed the basic stages ('Transition' and 'Transformation') of the development of the Afghan-lead peace process.
Finally, the outcomes of the Loya Jirga, recently held in Afghanistan, have paved the way for a long-term planning of sovereign development of Afghanistan. This is important both for the country and the region.
During our OSCE Chairmanship in 2010, Kazakhstan did a lot to help solve the problems of Afghanistan using the mechanisms of this Organization. The same line is being followed today in the context of our Chairmanship of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. There are real accomplishments, such as the opening of the OIC Office in Kabul, the operation of the Trust Fund, the activities of the Special Envoy and the work of the Contact Group.
As the Minister noted, Kazakhstan will continue to promote the restoration of peaceful life in Afghanistan with an emphasis on social and educational programmes and projects. Humanitarian assistance is regularly provided in the form of food and fuel and lubricants supplies. "Moreover, we are ready to guarantee the delivery of specific volumes of grain and fuel, provided free and safe transit to and from Afghanistan is ensured," Kazykhanov said.
In the framework of multilateral diplomacy and promoting regional security, Astana has already proposed the use of existing mechanisms for cooperation in the region. These are the platforms of regional organizations, in particular CICA. In addition, we can also use the experience of reputable organizations such as the SCO, the CSTO, the CARICC and a number of other organizations, in combating terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational crime. A central role in such activities should undoubtedly be assigned to the United Nations.
Kazakhstan also welcomes new economic initiatives relating to Afghanistan, provided they are backed up by concrete implementation measures. For example, the idea of a 'New Silk Road' is very useful for the development of transport and trade logistics in the region. Kazakhstan is currently involved in these efforts within the transport corridor 'Western Europe - Western China'. The construction of roads and railways in Afghanistan will ultimately link the markets of Central and South Asia. As a follow up, we propose the establishment of a transport and logistics centre in the Seaport Aktau Special Economic Zone.