ALMATY (AA) - April 26, 2013 - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Friday said that the Istanbul Process was born out of a need for regional reaction to regional problems.
Speaking at the Istanbul Process Ministers' Conference in Almaty, Ahmet Davutoglu underlined that a region where Afghanistan had been strongly integrated could deal with problems in a more secure way and more effectively.
"It has been 1.5 years since the Istanbul Conference took place to establish a regional cooperation platform with a focus on Afghanistan. We have made important progress since then despite the hesitations and doubts," Davutoglu noted.
"In June 2012, the ministers attending the Kabul conference had determined as goals to implement confidence building measures, develop regional dialogue and establish synergy between regional organizations and initiatives. All confidence building measures that were brought up on the Kabul agenda are now ready to be implemented," Davutoglu stated.
"Istanbul Process is in no competition with any regional establishment but complements their activities," Davutoglu said.
"Regional problems necessitate regional reactions. Istanbul Process was a reaction of the region against the problems of the region. Our regional vision is to handle the problems of the region with responsibility," Davutoglu indicated.
"I believe that the Istanbul Process would continue its existence through cooperation, dialogue and loyalty. The process is a crucial tool to establish an environment in which Afghanistan and all regional countries could live in prosperity," Davutoglu said.
"The difficulties Afghanistan faces are those facing the region. Fight against terrorism, extremism and illegal drug production necessitates joint action. The security, stability and welfare of our region depend on our coordinated efforts," Davutoglu said.
"Afghanistan is going through a critical stage. In the next two years, we will find out how the upcoming ten years will be in Afghanistan. Efforts for a consensus shaped by Afghanistan and next year's presidential elections carry high importance for permanent security and stability," Davutoglu stated.
"A functioning economy is the corner stone for a long term stability. We must help the Afghan people reach prosperity," Davutoglu noted.
"It is important for Afghanistan to be able to stand on its own feet. Afghanistan needs to cooperate with neighbors and the international community to do so," Davutoglu emphasized.
"Turkey will continue to be in solidarity with Afghanistan and extend assistance to Afghanistan's efforts for security and stability," Davutoglu also said.
-Istanbul Process-
Believing in the importance of regional cooperation so Afghanistan became a self-sufficient prosperous country and regional peace and stability was facilitated, Turkey led the efforts for the "Istanbul Process" during the "Istanbul Conference for Afghanistan" hosted by Turkey on November 2, 2011. The second meeting of the Istanbul Process took place in Kabul on June 14, 2012.
Istanbul Process aims to establish confidence building measures in regional infrastructure, education and investments as well as in the fight against illicit drugs, terror and natural disasters.
Meanwhile, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev received Ahmet Davutoglu at the Intercontinental Hotel in Almaty on Friday.
Nazarbayev and Davutoglu discussed bilateral relations.
