Tajik Foreign Minister says economic growth key to peace in Afghanistan
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Hamrokhon Zarifi, Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, addressing the General Assembly
With international security forces scheduled to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014, assistance to the country should centre on revitalizing the economy and strengthening the social sector.
That statement comes from the Foreign Minister of neighbouring Tajikistan, Hamrokhon Zarifi, who addressed the UN General Assembly on Saturday.
Speaking through an interpreter, he said economic and social development are crucial to stable peace in Afghanistan.
"International assistance rendered to Afghanistan should be aimed, first and foremost, at its utmost economic rehabilitation, further strengthening of its social sphere, job creation, etc. In this regard, the realization of projects on construction of railroads, motorways, power transmission lines, gas pipelines, etc. that connect Afghanistan with Tajikistan and other countries of the region is of utmost importance." (Duration: 25″)
Tajikistan in March hosted an economic conference on regional cooperation.
