Afghan foreign minister says conference will focus on ways to peace, stability

ISTANBUL (A.A) - November 2, 2011 - Afghanistan's foreign minister said on Wednesday that the Istanbul Conference would focus on the ways to peace and stability for Afghanistan. During the Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan, Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul said regional cooperation was of great importance, stating that all countries should work together against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and organized crime. Afghan government had taken several important steps for regional stability in the past 10 years, he said. When Kabul declaration was issued in 2002, the foundation of regional relations of Afghanistan was laid, he said, adding that these relations were based on peace and international law. "Istanbul Conference is an important opportunity to show once again our commitment, draw a road map and establish more cooperation," he said. Rassoul said this conference would be a milestone for peace and stability. Afghanistan was ready for cooperation against extremism and terrorism, he said. Rassoul said that he would like to thank Turkey once again for assuming leadership and boosting regional cooperation.