Speech of HE Mr Wahidullah Waissi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Australia and None-resident Ambassador to New Zealand and Fiji on the Occasion of 99th Anniversary of Afghanistan’s Independence, Willington, 04 September 2018:

In the Name of God, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful

KIA ORA!

His Excellency Mr. Jeff Langley, MFAT Deputy Secretary for Australia, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mr Andrew Bayly, Member of Parliament for Hunua and Co-Chair of New Zealand Middle East and Africa Group, Dr. Duncan Webb, Member of Parliament for Christchurch Central and Co-Chair of New Zealand Middle East and Africa Group, Member for Hamilton West and Deputy Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Committee, Hon Tim Macindoe MP, Brigadier Evan WILLIAMS representing the Chief of Defense Force, Air Marshal Kevin SHORT, Samoa High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Leasi Papali'i Tommy SCANLAN, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Mrs Joyce SCANLAN, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Rear Admiral (Ret'd) Jack Raymond STEER ONZM and Mrs Steer, CEO of Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association. New Zealand Veterans, Members of the Afghan Communities, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is my great honor to welcome you all to the 99th Anniversary of Afghanistan’s Independence here in this beautiful and windy (Beautifully Windy) city of Wellington. 

Today is a special day. This is the first time that the Non-resident Embassy of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan celebrates Independence Day in New Zealand. It opens a new chapter, and strengthens the bilateral relationship between the two countries. I thank you all for joining us at this historic occasion.

Afghanistan and New Zealand enjoy a healthy and friendly relationship. The first interaction between the two countries dates back to 1989 when NewZealand agreed to send a team as part of the United Nations mine clearance training program to Afghanistan. 

Nonetheless, the people to people linkages of the two nations can be traced even decades before 1980s. Despite being geographically separated by long distance, the hearts and minds of the two friendly nations are closer in having common aspirations towards peace, prosperity, freedom and democracy.

In post 9/11 era, since 2003, New Zealand’s genuine contribution in security sector reform, police trainings, strengthening the rule of law, promoting education, health, and agriculture and energy development in Afghanistan has been significant. In particular, New Zealand’s leadership of Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Bamyan Province was a greater success. 

It is needless to stress that the long term international engagement in Afghanistan to which New Zealand has been a cooperative partner is critical to tackle the threats of international terrorism not only in Afghanistan but also in the region and at the global level.  I praise those men and women of the world community including fellow New Zealanders who are standing with us with courage to assist, train and advice our brave National Defense and Security Forces. 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Afghanistan’s independence in 1919 from British Empire was the outcome of our ancestor’s resistance under the leadership of King Amanullah, the young reformist and ever ambitious King, who set the foundations of a modern Afghanistan, including democracy, rule of law and gender equality. Todays’ event is also a commemoration of those values we nurtured for nearly a century. 

Afghanistan did not give up in fighting against communism until its cruel empire collapsed. Today, my country is in the front line of fighting against international terrorism, and extremism. Our daily sacrifices ranges from 15 to 25.

We have paid a high price and still paying for the significant achievements gained in the past 17 years as a young democracy in ensuring access to education and health services, freedom of speech, freedom of media, human rights, women empowerment, rule of law, anti-corruption, youth development and much more. 

The establishment of the National Unity Government (NUG) four years ago coincided with the commencement of "Transformation Decade." We managed to focus on economic development and self-reliance despite being occupied with security-related challenges. 

Afghanistan witnessed an economic growth of 2.6% in 2017 and was able to maintain inflation rate at 3.7%. The export volume which reached a total value of $784 million has increased by 27.7% in 2017. Thanks to our regional integration and economic diplomacy, Afghanistan is no longer reliant on one destination for its merchandise trade and transit.

To preserve the aforementioned achievements, lasting peace is the top priority for the Afghan National Unity Government. In mid-June this year, for the first time after 17 years of violence, the people of Afghanistan witnessed the joyful moments of ceasefire during Eid-ul Fitr, our religious festive after the holy month of Ramadan. My government remains committed for peaceful settlement of the ongoing conflict in the country without any pre-condition except maintaining the gains of the past 17 years, respect for constitutional values, human rights, in particular women’s rights.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Through a consultative process with political parties and other stakeholders, my government is hardly working towards preparation for the parliamentary and district council elections to be held on 20thOctober this year and for the presidential elections scheduled to be held on 20thApril 2019.  The Government is doing everything possible to ensure free and fair elections for all Afghan citizens who are eligible to cast their votes. 

Distinguished participants,

My Government pays special attention to women empowerment and youth’s development both in public and private sectors. Afghanistan has the highest proportion of youth and young population in the region and it is necessary to consider the pivotal role of young generation in government programs, cultural activities and sports, inter aliacricket. We can observe a number of good players within the Afghan community in New Zealand as well. 

It is worth it to sincerely thank New Zealand Government and People for hosting the Afghan community, diaspora and refugees.

Last but not least, with the aim to promote business to business ties between Afghanistan and New Zealand, I am pleased to announce and introduce to you, Mr. Mohammad Yasin Hotaki, a prominent New Zealand resident of Afghan origin, who has been appointed as an honorary consul of Afghan Embassy to New Zealand by the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. 

Thank you Mr. Hotaki for accepting this responsibility. Please join me for a round of applause for his appointment. 

I am fully confident, that the appointment of Mr. Hotaki, as the first Honorary Consul of I. R. of Afghanistan to New Zealand, will open a new chapter in the history of our bilateral relationship and engagements.  

I conclude my address by thanking the organizers of the prestigious New Zealand Museum of Te Papa for the very good arrangements in making this event a success, the contributors and those community members travelled from all cornors of New Zealand to participate at this event. 

Long live our friendship, Roa To Tatou Hoa!