Deputy Prime Minister Addresses Conference on Afghanistan and the Region
2026-07-01
Deputy Prime Minister Addresses Conference on Afghanistan and the Region
H.E. Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, participated and delivered a speech this morning at a scientific and research conference titled “Afghanistan and the Region: Opportunities and Challenges,” organized by the Academy of Sciences of Afghanistan.
During his remarks, H.E. Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi expressed appreciation for the organization of the conference, describing such gatherings as important for the country’s progress and stability, as well as for strengthening regional relations.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that issues related to Afghanistan, including both opportunities and challenges at the national and regional levels, should be thoroughly examined through scientific research, with the findings presented to the decision-making institutions of the Islamic Emirate so that opportunities can be utilized effectively and challenges addressed appropriately.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s key achievements, including the restoration of peace and stability across the country, the elimination of local power fragmentation, the creation of opportunities for peaceful coexistence among the people, the prohibition of the cultivation, trafficking, smuggling, and use of narcotics, the collection and rehabilitation of drug addicts, the implementation of small and large-scale development projects in most parts of the country, and the establishment of positive relations with neighboring and regional countries, particularly neighboring states, based on mutual respect and non-interference in one another’s internal affairs.
The Deputy Prime Minister described regional cooperation as one of the key factors contributing to the economic growth and development of countries. He stated that upon the completion of the Afghan-Trans Railway, CASA-1000, TAPI, and TAP projects, Afghanistan will serve as a key transit and connectivity hub between Central Asia and South Asia.
He further stated that Afghanistan’s relations with neighboring and regional countries are currently in their best condition, emphasizing that countries, particularly neighboring states, should conduct their relations on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference, while refraining from intervention in one another’s internal affairs and from pursuing hegemonic policies.
The Deputy Prime Minister described Afghanistan’s reserves of oil, natural gas, and other valuable mineral resources as one of the country’s most important investment opportunities. He stated that with proper and effective investment, these resources could make a positive contribution to the country’s development, economic growth, and increased investment.
In his concluding remarks, H.E. Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi identified the lack of trust among countries in the region as one of the major challenges. He stated that distrust and tensions among some neighboring countries serve the interests of no nation, resulting in the waste of human and economic resources while contributing to insecurity, economic weakness, and unemployment on both sides, ultimately to the detriment of all.
