Afghanistan Expects Full International Commitments in Brussels Summit

The Brussels summit is an essential opportunity for Afghan government to set out its vision for the future by presenting the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework and to showcase its track record on reforms.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Afghan Government expects a strong political message in support of Afghanistan, its future and the government’s reforms agenda, a strong commitment to peace and prosperity in Afghanistan; reaffirming that Afghanistan will not stand alone, a strong financial commitment in support of the SMAF to 2020, and a commitment to on-budget modalities and alignment of aid to government priorities as outline in the ANPDF.

Afghan Finance minister says that Afghanistan has earned the trust of International Community and it expects a strong commitment from the world in the Brussels summit.

“We expect that the international community to announce its political commitment and financial assistances to Afghanistan,” said Eklil Hakimi, finance minister.

“As we look forward to the Brussels Conference, our task here today is to show what we intend to do to keep Afghanistan steady on the road to self-reliance,” he said. “The ANPDF sets the state for the next steps in our journey towards self-reliance. It’s a goal I know we all share.”

In the meantime, UN envoy Yamamoto called on international partners to sustain their support for Afghanistan, and described the Government’s plans as “essential tools,” that will “serve both to attract support from donors at the upcoming Brussels Conference on Afghanistan and to guide how that support is used to benefit the Afghan people.”

Stefano Manservisi, Director-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission, said: “The European Union looks forward to welcoming the Afghan Government and representatives from around 100 countries and international organisations. The Union is firmly committed to a long-term partnership with Afghanistan.”

“The EU is determined to support Afghanistan in its reform and state-building efforts to ensure citizens’ democratic rights, and access to basic services such as education, health, food and jobs. The Afghan reform agenda, a new development partnership, and a new regional dynamic are key elements for the Brussels conference, which I am confident will signal a renewed and stronger partnership based on mutual commitments and mutual accountability,” said Mr. Manservisi.

The Brussels Conference is a one-day meeting dedicated to Afghanistan. The Government of Afghanistan and the European Union will co-host the Conference. President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah will represent Afghanistan. President of the European Council Donald Tusk will represent the EU.

Representatives from 70 countries and 30 international organizations and agencies will attend. We expect participation at the Foreign Minister level or above. International organizations will be represented by their leadership.