Security Council Press Statement on Tokyo Conference

The following Security Council press statement was issued on 23 July by Council President Néstor Osorio ( Colombia):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the “Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan”, held in Tokyo on 8 July 2012, and its conference conclusions (document S/2012/532).

The members of the Security Council commended the substantial development and the notable progress achieved by Afghanistan, with the steadfast support of the international community, in the past years and reiterated its support for the decision consented in Bonn to implement a Decade of Transformation (2015-2024) in which Afghanistan consolidates its sovereignty through strengthening a fully functioning, sustainable State in the service of its people.

The members of the Security Council, recognizing the challenges ahead for Afghanistan, welcomed the generous pledges totalling over $16 billion made by the international community during the Tokyo Conference through 2015, and their commitment to sustain support through 2017 at or near levels of the past decade, thereby renewing their commitment to long-term support to the Afghan Government and the Afghan people.

The members of the Security Council also welcomed the adoption of the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework in which the Afghan Government and the international community reaffirmed their mutual commitments.

The members of the Security Council furthermore recognized the increasing role of the neighbouring and regional countries, as well as new partners for the sustainable development of Afghanistan and the entire region.

The Security Council welcomed, against this background, the further consolidation of the strategic consensus between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the international community on a renewed and enduring partnership for a Decade of Transformation, which entails firm mutual commitments as outlined in the Declaration of the Bonn Conference, carried forward with the Chicago Summit Conclusions and complemented with the Tokyo Declaration.

The members of the Security Council commended also the outcome of the “Istanbul Conference for Afghanistan:  Security and Cooperation in the Heart of Asia”, of 2 November 2011, and the follow-up “Heart of Asia — Ministerial Conference Kabul”, on 14 June 2012, which set a framework for periodic consultations on confidence-building measures in the region.

The members of the Security Council also commended the Fifth Regional Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA V) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 26‑27 March, and the Delhi Investment Summit of 28 June and its recommendations for promoting foreign investment, private sector development and partnerships in Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council underlined the crucial role of UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) and the United Nations in Afghanistan, and reaffirmed its continued commitment to a peaceful future for Afghanistan.

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For information media • not an official record