Statement by the OIC Secretary General at the Afghanistan International Investment Conference

Date: 04/12/2010

Dubai, 30 November 2010 Your Excellency President Karzai, Your Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Your Excellency Minister Zalmai Rassoul, Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, It is indeed my honor and privilege to attend this important Afghanistan International Investment Conference. I wish to begin by extending my appreciation to both the governments of Afghanistan and the UAE for inviting the OIC to this meeting and express our gratitude to the UAE for the excellent hospitality extended to us. Just less than a month ago, the 4th Regional Economic Cooperation on Afghanistan was held in Istanbul in which more than 40 countries as well as regional and international organizations including the OIC took part to review different aspects of enhancing regional and international cooperation and coordination on Afghanistan. Last month, the International Contact Group on Afghanistan convened in Rome. During that meeting the international community reiterated once more its commitment to, among other things, provide assistance for development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and to encourage foreign investment in that country. We should not of course forget the Kabul International Conference in July this year which was an important milestone in the Kabul Process. All these important events, including other bilateral, trilateral and regional initiatives on Afghanistan prove the commitment and unwavering support of the international community for peace and stability in Afghanistan and for the prosperity of its people. I am confident that this conference will create a very good environment and opportunity for both national and international investors to delve into the various ways and means of boosting private and public investment in Afghanistan. The Conference should hopefully study existing economic challenges in Afghanistan and put forward fresh initiatives, ideas and solutions. Mr. President, Distinguished Delegates, The OIC remains fully committed to supporting the Government of Afghanistan in its endeavors to bring peace, security and economic progress for the people of Afghanistan. President Karzai, in his last November inauguration speech, set out clear priorities for these purposes, and we strongly support his commitments to national reconciliation, good governance, rule of law, anti-corruption efforts and strong regional cooperation. At present, stability and economic development are mutually related, a comprehensive approach encompassing all political and socio- economic aspects is of necessity to address the challenges in Afghanistan. We appreciate every effort of the Afghan government and other concerned countries in the region for their continued endeavors towards reestablishing durable peace and security in Afghanistan and in the region. We also pay tribute to the local and regional initiatives aiming at improving the investment climate in Afghanistan and tackling the obstacles to attracting both private and public investments in the country. Mr. President, Afghanistan is a richly endowed country. It possesses enormous human and natural resources. We need to continue to invest in human capacity building as well as meaningful economic cooperation to pursue concrete projects in critical areas. The OIC and its institutions are ready to expand their engagement in Afghanistan in political, economic and humanitarian fields. To underscore the importance of the development of infrastructural base as a priority towards achieving economic recovery in Afghanistan, the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers last May adopted a resolution to embark on rail transportation project to link Dushanbe-Mazare Sharif-Herat. The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has also financed the railway project linking Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan-Iran. On vocational training, efforts are being intensified within the OIC subsidiary organs to create special projects for Afghanistan. Excellencies, I cannot conclude without highlighting the commendable initiative and generous support of the United Arab Emirates towards the appointment of a new OIC Permanent Special Representative in Kabul in order to coordinate and intensify the OIC’s engagement with Afghanistan. The OIC is also a crucial and important partner in regional and international efforts on Afghanistan. We have already expressed our readiness to host the next meeting of the International Contact Group on Afghanistan at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah in the next few months. To conclude, let me say Afghanistan has witnessed some appreciable level of improvement. However, despite these achievements, much remains to be done to help the realization of a promising future for Afghanistan. I am confident that this Conference would further build on our hope for a brighter future for Afghanistan. I thank you for your kind attention.

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