20-07-2010

Mr. Secretary-General,
Mr. President,
Dear colleagues,

I would like to thank the Afghan Government for organizing this Conference and for having thought of a children’s welcome this morning. With their  ‘Salaam Alaikum’s’, they reminded us that our efforts are about the future of these boys and girls.  

As rotating Presidency of the European Union, the Belgian diplomacy is assisting the EU High Representative. I therefore align myself with the messages made by Cathy Ashton on behalf of the European Union and support them fully. 

I would like to make a few points that seem to me of particular interest

Belgium has consistently stressed the importance of concrete milestones in the transition progress or ‘Afghanisation’. In this respect, I am impressed by the “Prioritization and Implementation Plan” of the “Afghan National Development Strategy” presented to us today, with its intended results in six months, in twelve months and in three years. In other words, in the ‘short term’. Those precise timelines, benchmarks and objectives are most welcome. This idea to work by “clusters” of ministries (to prepare for this conference) was excellent. An impressive amount of preparatory work has been done.

Now is the time to deliver. The need is pressing, because the patience of the people has limits, both here in Afghanistan and in our own constituencies at home. People are expecting progress. My Swedish colleague mentioned ‘strategic patience’. Patience can only be built on conviction, but it is best fuelled by concrete step by step results. As Secretary of State Clinton mentioned “History will hold us accountable for our efforts”.

We now look forward to the implementation of the documents presented to us today. We count on an inclusive strategy, mobilizing civil society, building on the rule of law and respecting women’s rights in particular. As a civil society representative just said, good legislation should not only on paper, it should be brought into practice. Resolute measures against corruption and improved governance are also an urgent necessity. Belgium was among the first countries to support the creation of the Independent Directorate for Local Governance. We are ready to keep financing that sector and others.

Earlier this year, Belgium has extended its military and civilian presence in Afghanistan, also for 2011, in line with the outcome of the London Conference.  While capping the military contribution, more emphasis has been put on training and formation.  Through the EUPOL mission, Belgium contributes to the formation of the police and the justice sector. Furthermore, since 2008, the financial assistance has been continuously increased, with a specific emphasis on improvement of governance as we consider this as a necessary precondition for successful social and economic development. Finally, the diplomatic presence in Kabul will be upgraded to an Embassy early next year. 

I would like to thank once more the organizers of the Conference and look forward its follow-up.

Only spoken word prevails