MEETING ON AFGHANISTAN

CHAIRMAN’S SUMMARY

(Istanbul, 10 May 2011)

Ministers and High-Level Representatives from Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Afghanistan convened in Istanbul on 10May 2011 on the occasion of the 4^th Conference of the Least Developed Countries, upon Turkey’s invitation for exchange of views on Afghanistan.

The participants received a comprehensive briefing from H.E. Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, National Security Advisor of the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, on the state of affairs in Afghanistan and on future perspectives. H.E. Dr. Spanta highlighted in his presentation inter alia that enhanced synergy, dialogue and cooperation between Afghanistan and its vicinity is an essential element of durable peace, stability and prosperity.

The participants

- emphasized that forming the very heart of Asia, Afghanistan is a country whose present and future is inseparably bound with those of its neighborhood,

- reaffirmed their respect to the sovereignty, indivisibility and territorial integrity of Afghanistan

- expressing support to the transfer of responsibilities to the Afghans with the aim of full Afghanization by 2014, also expressed their support to full Afghan control, independence and sovereignty over the territory of Afghanistan,

- stressed that the vital element of peace and stability for all is a safe, secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, which, in turn can be ensured within an extensive framework that reflects friendship and cooperation,

- reiterated support to the Afghan-leadership and Afghan ownership of integrated efforts – particularly security, development, governance – underway in the country with the aim of achieving full Afghanization,

- stated that the efforts in Afghanistan ought to be complemented and underpinned by Afghanistan’s vicinity and beyond and expressed their commitment to long-term dialogue and cooperation with Afghanistan based on mutual respect,

- underscored that cooperation starts from within. It has great potential. It is effective when it is owned, steered and governed by primary stakeholders in a sincere, transparent and constructive manner, bringing positive synergy,

- stressed their support to the Afghan-led, steered and governed peace, reconciliation and reintegration process which would uphold the principles enshrined in the Afghan Constitution,

- expressed that enhanced synergy towards a common vision between Afghanistan and other relevant countries would be key to lasting peace and stability at large.

Against this background all the participants agreed to launch preparations for the “Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan” to be hosted by Turkey on November the 2^nd, 2011. They concurred that the Conference would build on the common principles and shared vision contained in the Istanbul Statement of 26 January 2010 and decided to instruct the high-level officials at the Ministries of Foreign Affairs to intensify contacts and consultations with a view to ensuring concrete deliverables for the Conference.