Statement of Foreign Minister Rassoul at Reception in Honor of Kai Eide

Posted On: Mar 01, 2010

Opening Remarks at Reception in Honor of UN Special Representative Kai Eide Your Excellency Mr. Kai Eide, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Afghanistan,Members of the Cabinet and Diplomatic Community, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s my distinct pleasure to welcome you to this special event. We have gathered tonight to honor one of Afghanistan’s closest and dearest friends in Mr. Kai Eide. Kai is a man who needs no introduction. His impeccable track record in the field of international relations and diplomacy, and commitment to the people of Afghanistan speaks for itself. Since assuming the post of Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Afghanistan, Kai has offered an important contribution to international efforts for peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. During his tenure of service, Kai has been an effective voice for the United Nations in Afghanistan. He persevered trying times and advocated a comprehensive strategy for addressing Afghanistan’s challenges and enhancing progress. Nearly nine years since the fall of the rule of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in 2001, Afghanistan has come a long way. Substantial progress has been made in various areas. Afghanistan is back among the responsible members of the international community. Afghans today enjoy more basic rights than ever before; these include freedom of press, speech and political activity. More than five million Afghans have returned home after years in exile – marking the largest repatriation movement in modern history. Six and a half million boys and girls are enrolled in schools throughout the country, investing in their future. And hundreds of hospitals and health-clinics, and thousands of kilometers of roads have been constructed nation-wide. These achievements would not be possible without the support of the United Nations and other international partners, as well as the determination of the Afghan people for defeating terrorism and realizing a better future. The central role of the UN in international efforts has been vital for Afghanistan’s success. In this regard, I would like to highlight the excellent manner in which Kai carried out the work of the UN, and enriched support of other international partners. Kai advocated principles which are necessary for a successful international engagement in Afghanistan. He stressed that Afghanization must be accelerated in terms of development and security assistance. He also emphasized better coordination of international aid among partner-countries. And when civilian lives were lost or affected from collateral damage, Kai was among the first to express concern and call for extra caution during military operations. IMoreover, Kai played a key role in facilitating international support for reconciliation as an important component of the solution to Afghanistan’s security problem. In short, Kai has demonstrated his genuine and resolute commitment to the people of Afghanistan, for which we – the people and government of Afghanistan – are grateful. Kai, thank you for your friendship and support to Afghanistan; and we wish you every success in your future endeavors. At the same time, I want welcome again the appointment of Mr. Stefan Mistura as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Afghanistan. We have full confidence in Mr. Mistura who brings with him broad experience in international relations. We offer him our full support as we continue our journey towards a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. I thank you for being here tonight, and wish you a pleasant time!