Kazakhstan to intensify OSCE engagement to support security and stability in Afghanistan, says OSCE Chairperson

LONDON, 28 January 2010 - Kazakhstan will play an active role in furthering OSCE initiatives to strengthen Afghanistan's borders, develop co-operation and enhance law enforcement activities, said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakh Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, at the international London Conference on Afghanistan today.

"OSCE engagement with Afghanistan is a priority of Kazakhstan's 2010 Chairmanship. Afghanistan borders three OSCE participating States in Central Asia, and security in Afghanistan is inextricably linked to security in the region, and to security in the OSCE area as a whole," he said.

Afghanistan is an OSCE Partner for Co-operation since 2003, and the Foreign Ministers of the 56 OSCE States agreed in 2007 to intensify OSCE engagement with Afghanistan.

The Organization has focused on enhancing the capacity of Afghanistan to manage its borders with its Central Asian neighbours and on supporting law enforcement capacities. The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights also provided support for the Afghan presidential election in 2009, as well as for elections in 2004 and 2005.

Saudabayev emphasized the need to join efforts and find common approaches to address the situation in Afghanistan.

"Kazakhstan, in its role as OSCE Chair, will focus on promoting stability and security in Afghanistan through developing constructive political dialogue, stimulating trade and encouraging investment in the Afghan economy, supporting cultural and humanitarian co-operation and providing assistance in different spheres," he said.

The OSCE Summit proposed by Kazakhstan for this year would also focus on Afghanistan, he added.

"An OSCE Summit with a particular focus on Afghanistan would be in the interests of all participating States of the OSCE, taking into account that 43 states out of 56 have been already practically involved in the processes related to rehabilitation of the country," said Saudabayev.