News story

Kabul International Conference outcomes

The International Conference on Afghanistan was held in Kabul on Tuesday 20 July. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell attended.

From:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon William Hague
Published
20 July 2010
This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

This was the first Conference to be held in Afghanistan at Foreign Minister level and to be run by the Afghan government: a real achievement for the Afghan government and a strong sign that it is taking the lead.

The Conference builds on President Karzai’s clear commitment to the Afghan people to renew efforts to bring about a secure, prosperous and democratic future for Afghanistan. The Government of Afghanistan has a well-defined programme, as outlined in the Communique {pdf} and in President Karzai’s speech, and the International Community is aligned in its support for this.

Speaking at the Conference, the Foreign Secretary said:

‘Today’s Conference is an important step. It builds on President Karzai’s clear commitment to the Afghan people to renew efforts to bring about a secure, prosperous and democratic future for Afghanistan. We, in Britain, fully support that vision.’

Read Mr Hague’s speech

Reflecting on the Conference British Ambassador Sir William Patey recorded the following message.

iframe:

The Conference outcomes included:

  • Commitment to a phased approach to security-led transition of Afghan provinces from ISAF control to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) , with the aim of the ANSF leading military operations across Afghanistan by the end of 2014. To help achieve this the UK and international community will continue to support the training and growth of the ANSF, which is well on track to reach 300,000 by October next year.
  • Commitment to good governance, a fair judicial system and fundamental human rights at all levels of government. The Afghan government set out the further steps it will take to implement legislation around the Major Crime Task Force and the Anti-Corruption Tribunal, addressing bulk cash smuggling and improving audit practices.
  • reiterating the centrality of women’s rights, including political, economic and social equality and a commitment to implement governmental responsibilities under the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan (NAPWA). There was also commitment to develop a strategy to implement the Elimination of Violence Against Women Law.

  • We welcome the commitment to address narcotics - an issue that affects citizens around the world including over a million Afghans. We welcome the commitment to implementation and revision of the Afghan National Drug Control Strategy and the role of the UN in assisting this.

  • The Afghan Government also outlined the National Priority Programmes it will pursue in order to deliver increased economic development and a roadmap for improved public financial management reform. In return the international community pledged to align its support behind these programmes and to work to deliver 50% of its aid through the Afghan government. The UK is well on track to achieve this. And we have committed to increasing our aid budget by 40% over the next 4 years.

  • The Afghan government presented the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme (APRP). The international community will continue to support efforts to reintegrate those insurgents who agree to renounce violence and sever ties to Al Qaeda.

  • Regional co-operation and discussion on the historic trade agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Published 20 July 2010