International Contact Group interested in cooperation to resolve conflict in Afghanistan

By Azernews

By Rashid Shirinov

The task of the International Contact Group (ICG) on Afghanistan is to achieve the goals of peace and security in Afghanistan and beyond, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov said at a meeting of the ICG held in Baku on June 28.

“This is a very important political platform. The ICG is interested in cooperation in resolving the conflict in Afghanistan,” he said.

The deputy FM noted that Azerbaijan is happy to help and cooperate in this issue and to continue joint efforts. “I am also glad that we are doing this for a friendly and brotherly country,” he added.

Azimov said that Azerbaijan and Afghanistan have a common history and culture, and expressed hope that the peoples of the two countries will communicate even more closely with each other.

He also touched upon the upcoming election in Afghanistan.

“We believe that the parliamentary election to be held in October in Afghanistan will be well organized and its results will serve to strengthen stability. Also, this election will create a good platform for the next presidential election,” Azimov said.

The International Contact Group on Afghanistan is a platform for discussions on the promotion of development in Afghanistan and the region in which it is located. The ICG was established in 2009, and presently is represented by 60 states and organizations, including Azerbaijan. Together with Afghanistan, Germany acts as co-chair of the Group.

The meeting in Baku was attended by about 90 representatives of countries and international organizations participating in the ICG. Representatives of government and non-government organizations of Afghanistan also participated in the meeting.

Azerbaijan has always supported Afghanistan on its path of reforms towards achieving peace and security and integrating into regional and global economy. Today Azerbaijan actively participates in peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan and restoration of the Afghan economy. As many as 120 Azerbaijani servicemen are engaged in NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan allowed the NATO planes carrying non-combat loads for a mission in Afghanistan to fly through Azerbaijan’s airspace and to use the country’s airports. About 40 percent of all cargo destined for the NATO mission in Afghanistan pass through Baku.