Senior UK diplomat reaffirms commitment to Afghanistan

Dr. Abdullah Abdullah Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Officer visiting the UK Foreign Office’s Political Director, Simon Gass on 29th Feb 2016.

The UK Foreign Office’s Political Director, Simon Gass, has visited Kabul to reaffirm his countries enduring commitment to Afghanistan and support to National Unity Government (NUG), UK embassy in Kabul announced on Tuesday.

Mr. Simon has quoted saying as, “I came here at the Foreign Secretary’s request because two major international conferences concerning Afghanistan are taking place this year. The NATO Summit and Brussels conference will reaffirm the international community’s commitment and determine the future size and shape of international support to Afghanistan”.

According to the statement released UK envoy has expressed strong support for the NUG’s commitment to secure an enduring peace  and has sought an update from Afghan government on progress in delivering its reform commitments ahead of the NATO Warsaw Summit and Brussels Development Conference later this year.

Mr. Simon has met President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah, Foreign Minister Rabbani, Acting Defense Minister Stanekzai and National Security Adviser Atmar discussing a broad range of issues including the security and economic situation in Afghanistan, the statement added.

UK political director has reiterated the UK’s support for an Afghan-led peace process and has welcomed the progress made in the Quadrilateral talks.

The statement further says that the UK has welcomed President Ghani’s efforts to tackle corruption saying,” Afghanistan today has huge potential. The country has a National Unity Government that’s committed to achieving peace, reform and self-reliance and which has the international community’s full support. That’s why the UK is spending hundreds of millions of dollars in Afghanistan on security assistance, development, economic growth and humanitarian aid.”