Estonia Supports Starting to Transfer Responsibility for Security to Afghanistan
20.07.2010
Nr 237-E
At the international conference in Kabul focused on the future of Afghanistan, the Afghan government introduced a detailed action plan that outlines how they will improve the nation’s socio-economic and security situation and promote the implementation of good governing standards. They also emphasised at the conference that Afghan forces will take complete control of security control in the nation in 2014.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia has consistently emphasised the need to develop a process for transferring responsibility for security in Afghanistan. “Estonia will continue to contribute to improving the security situation in Afghanistan and developing civil society. The Kabul conference is an important step in coming closer to the common goal of the Afghan people and the international security forces in the country, which is to gradually transfer responsibility for security to the Afghan authorities,” said Paet. “The capability of the Afghan government and the growth of its leadership role with the support of the international community are essential to the stabilisation of the Afghan security situation, re-integration, national reconciliation, and the implementation of reforms that make sustainable institutional and economic development possible. Since we also agreed on a review of the promises and plans at a yearly foreign ministers’ meeting, the decisions approved in Kabul are encouraging,” he stated.
Estonian Ambassador to Afghanistan Harri Tiido stated that the Kabul conference is a sign of how the Afghans themselves want to actively contribute to the construction of their nation with the help of the international community. “The organisation of this conference clearly shows that the Afghan people are prepared to show initiative and take responsibility for shaping the future of their nation,” noted Ambassador Tiido. The ambassador added that the conference shows local inhabitants that their government has made progress and is working persistently to increase security in the country. Ambassador Tiido also emphasised that Estonia and the international community will continue to contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. “We need to work on implementing long-term projects in Afghanistan in order to achieve lasting results and keep a complete view of developments in the nation,” said Tiido.
