Security Council welcomes renewed commitment to rebuild Afghanistan

The Security Council has welcomed the renewed commitment expressed by more than 80 countries and international organizations last week in Paris to advance peace, security and development in Afghanistan.

The International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, held on 12 June, saw fresh pledges of resources for the country’s rebuilding efforts, as well as the launch of the Government’s five-year plan to reduce poverty and promote economic and social development, known as the Afghan National Development Strategy (ANDS).

The meeting, co-chaired by Afghanistan, France and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, concluded with the adoption of a declaration in which participants voiced their support for the Strategy which they said “will be our road map for joint action over the next five years and sets our shared priorities.”

In a statement read out to the press by Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad of the United States, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council for this month, the 15-member body “welcomed the reaffirmation of the long-term partnership between Afghanistan and the international community, the aim of which is to give the people of Afghanistan a better future, including in terms of security, prosperity and human rights.”

The Council also welcomed the commitment of participants to support the ANDS, “including by making generous and unprecedented financial pledges, which demonstrated continuing international resolve,” as well as the Government’s commitment to pursue political and economic reform, to work with the international community and to take leadership for its development.

At the same time, the Council stressed the need to continue to address the threat to the country’s security and stability posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, illegal armed groups, criminals and those involved in the narcotics trade.