The International Spring Fair raises funds for Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) opened its doors for the 54th time on the 14th and 15th May 2013 at Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall. Every year over 80 Diplomatic missions take part by hosting a stall which sells products and food that are exclusive to their nation.

This year for the first time HE Mrs. Ambassador organised a stall to represent Afghanistan. The stall contained of Afghan traditional handicrafts, handmade silk shawls, silver jewelleries and home decorating materials made by Afghan women in Afghanistan.

The Fair attracted 6000 visitors and the Embassy was able to sell different Afghan products which were admired by visitors. The earnings made in this Fair were donated to support the charity for Children and Families Across Borders.

STATEMENT BY H.E. JAWED LUDIN DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONTACT GROUP MEETING

May 15, 2013
Ladies and gentlemen,

Foreign Minister Westerwelle, thank you very much for Germany’s brilliant organisation of this ICG meeting and the generous hospitality extended to us on the occasion. Thank you also for your strong statement of commitment and friendship, and may I say also for the personal engagement and leadership you have demonstrated in the context of the international community’s crucial partnership with Afghanistan.

Ambassador Koch, I wish to thank you for hosting today’s ICG meeting, for leading so effectively this important forum, and for ensuring the continuity of the international community’s engagement as Afghanistan makes its crucial transition in the security, political and economic spheres

More---->

---

Dr. Sarmast has been honoured the International Honorary Membership of the Royal Philharmonic Society.

May 14, 2013
Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast has been given the honorary membership of the British Royal Philharmonic Society. Dr. Sarmast was introduced to the staff and some of the members of the Royal Philharmonic Society by the head of the British Council, Sir Vernon Ellis.

Dr. Sarmast established the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) in 2010, providing music education for Afghan children. Dr. Samrmast is the Author of the landmark book, A Survey of the History of Music in Afghanistan.

Dr. Sarmast has received numerous awards including being named “Person of the Year” in March 2013 by radio Azadi. He has also received several accolades; including International Music Council (IMC) Musical Rights Award in recognising of assuring the musical rights of the Afghan children. Dr. Sarmast received the David Chow Humanitarian Award in December 2009. He also awarded the Education Award of Government of Afghanistan by Ministry of Education in 2011.

The Royal Philharmonic Society is a British music society formed in 1813 in London promoting performances of classical instrumental music.

---

H.E. President Karzai Stresses on Strengthening of Afghan Air Force, in Meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Defense

May 14, 2013
President Hamid Karzai met on Monday evening with Ashton Carter, US Deputy Secretary of Defense to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The bilateral meeting was held in the Presidential Palace where, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen the security forces of Afghanistan, particularly the Afghan air force, Afghan-US security agreement and current affairs in the region.

More---->

---

Opening Remarks, 2nd Afghanistan-US Bilateral Commission meeting on Strategic Partnership Agreement

May 13, 2013
Your Excellency Deputy Secretary Burns, dear friends and colleagues,

Good morning! It is a pleasure to host the Second meeting of our Bilateral Commission and I wish to welcome you, Deputy Secretary Burns and your colleagues to Kabul. Thank you, Deputy Secretary Burns, for being with us today.

This forum is yet another great opportunity to review the status of our bilateral relations and the progress made since the Inaugural Bilateral Commission meeting on 03 October 2012.

More---->

---

H.E. President Karzai Congratulates President of Pakistan on Successful Elections

May 13, 2013
President Hamid Karzai telephoned Asif Ali Zardari President of Pakistan on Saturday evening to congratulate him and the people of Pakistan for successful conduct of national and provincial polls in Pakistan.

In the telephone conversation, President Karzai said that Pakistani nation went to cast votes during the polls despite attacks and threats of terrorism, proving that democracy wins over terrorism and extremism.

Thanking President Karzai for the call, President Zardari then emphasized that Afghanistan and Pakistan had to continue bilateral cooperation in various areas, particularly in counter-terrorism.

---

President Karzai Congratulates Nawaz Sharif on his clear victory in the Election.

May 13, 2013
President Hamid Karzai telephoned Nawaz Sharif Leader of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) to congratulate him, the PML-N and the people of Pakistan on his “clear victory” in the elections.

President Karzai described Nawaz Sharif’s messages in the electoral campaigns as good for the well-being of the two nations and improved relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The President hoped that the bilateral relations between the two countries would further expand under Nawaz Sharif as the new Prime Minister, and that Pakistan would seriously cooperate with Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism so that both the nations could be saved from the threats of terrorism.

Thanking President Karzai for the call, Sharif said that since the start of his electoral campaign, his messages and statements had urged friendship and cooperation with Afghanistan.

Stressing on cooperation of Pakistan’s new government in counter-terrorism, Nawaz Sharif stated that Pakistan was ready to cooperate with Afghanistan in any ways to this end.

---

Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health in London

May 10, 2013
The minister of public health of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Her Excellency Dr. Suraya Dalil, arrived in London on 7 May 2013. Dr. Dalil’s visit to the United Kingdom took place as part of a continuing program to promote bilateral cooperation between Afghanistan and the United Kingdom in the area of public health. Towards this end, Dr. Dalil attended a number of events. Dr. Dalil was accompanied by Dr. Mohammad Taufiq Mashal, Director General of Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Public Health.

More---->

---

Transcript of President Karzai’s Interview with Danish TV2 television Copenhagen, Denmark.

May 08, 2013
President Karzai:
Well, Afghanistan will have challenges more than any other country, of course, because of the circumstances of the past, we will continue to be a poor country, we will continue to be a country struggling to make it better, we will continue to have shortages of human capital, capacity, will continue to have incidents of insecurity, in short, we will have all the challenges of a growing, you know, Constitutional order.

More---->

---

Dr. Mohammad Daud Yaar, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the UK Represented Afghanistan at the Opening Ceremony of the UK Parliament.

May 08, 2013
The 2013-2014 session of the UK Parliament was inaugurated by the speech of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 May 2013. Members of the royal family, members of the both houses of the Parliament, David Cameron the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, and accredited diplomats at the Court of Saint James were present at the opening ceremony. Ambassador Yaar represented Afghanistan at a grand ceremony that was held on the occasion at the House of Lords.

The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the Queen’s speech sets out the government’s agenda for the coming session, outlining policies and legislation. It is the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of the Parliament – the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons – meet.

During her speech, Her Majesty the Queen expressed UK’s commitment to fight terrorism around the world and assist Afghanistan in the process of peace and reconciliation by stating: “My Government will work to prevent conflict and reduce terrorism. It will support countries in transition in the Middle East and North Africa and the opening of a peace process in Afghanistan”.

---

H.E. Ustad Khalili Vice president of Afghanistan has arrived in London.

May 07, 2013
H.E. Ustad Mohammad Karim Khalili Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has arrived in London on Monday evening, 6th May2013.

H.E. Vice President was welcomed by Mr. Hanif Ahmadzai, Charge de Affair, Mr. Najibullah Mohajer, First Secretary, Mr. Ahmad Jamshid, Third Secretary and other staff member of Afghan Embassy in London.

H.E. Vice president Ustad Khalili will take some medical checkups at the hospital during his trip.

---

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes appointment of James Dobbins.

May 07, 2013
The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the appointment of James Dobbins as US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Janan Mosazai spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that appointment of this experienced US diplomat as US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan can bring about better outcome for Afghanistan and the region.

The US 70-year-old American formerly served as US deputy secretary of state in European and affairs and US ambassador to the EU and lately he served as chairman of international policy center in security affairs.

James Dobbins served as US representative to Bosnia Herragovena, Haiti and Somalia during the presidential term of Bill Clinton and George W Bush.

---

Afghan government lodges strong protest with Pakistan about unprovoked attack against Afghan forces near the Durand Line

May 07, 2013
Director-General of the First Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Azizuddin Ahmadzada, met with the Pakistani Charge d’Affaires in Kabul, Mr. Shah Nazar Afridi, this morning at the Foreign Ministry.

Mr. Ahmadzada lodged the Afghan government’s strong protest with Mr. Afridi about the unprovoked attack by Pakistani forces who used both heavy and light weapons against Afghan forces near the Durand Line in Goshta district, Nangarhar province this morning.

---

Ambassador James F. Dobbins was introduced as US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

May 04, 2013
Secretary of State, John Kerry has introduced Ambassador James F. Dobbins as United State’s new representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The announcement made by Secretary of State John Kerry in press statement on Saturday 3th May 2013. Secretary John Kerry expressed his wishes that Ambassador Dobbins as senior US diplomat with deep and longstanding relationships in the regions, will continue building on diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to a peaceful conclusions.

Ambassador Dobbins was US’s first diplomatic envoy to Afghanistan after the fall of Taliban; he also represented the United States at the Bonn Conference.

Ambassador James Dobbins also led the United States government efforts to establish greater peace, stability, and security in places like Bosnia, Kosovo, and Haiti. He also served as director of International Security and Defense Policy Center for the RAND Corporation.

James Dobbins is succeeding the Ambassador Marc I. Grossman and the late Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke former US special representatives to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

---

H.E. President Karzai’s press conference, Kabul 04 May 2013:

May 04, 2013
During a press conference in Kabul on May 04 2013, His Execellency Hamid Karzai, the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, once again called on Pakistani authorities to reciprocate Afghanistan's desire for friendship and cooperation. The President emphasized that friendship and cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan benefit the people of both countries and will contribute to peace and prosperity in both nations. The following are some of the main points the President made during the press conference:

I once again call on the Pakistani government to take the path of brotherhood and good friendship with Afghanistan, as terrorism and extremism has not done them any good, but instead continuously take innocent lives such as the recent attacks that targeted political parties including the ANP that we strongly condemn.

The entire Afghan nation greatly values the sacrifices by those like Qasem in protecting their soil and it is due to these devotions that this country has lived proud and in dignity.

No Afghan government has ever in history made so much efforts as the current one to improve relations with Pakistan. As head of State, I have made 19 trips to Pakistan for that purpose.

Security and development lies only in cooperation, which is for the interest of Pakistan as well.

Any attempts such as the recent clash in Goshta to force Afghans into recognizing the Durand Line will be futile.

Neither the Afghan Government, nor the people on both side of the Durand Line have ever recognized the Line.

---

Human rights and Women's Affairs

May 03, 2013
The Afghan Embassy’s newly established Human Rights and Women Affairs desk hosted representatives of Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS), Amnesty International, Action Aid at the Embassy on 19 April.

The meeting headed by Mrs Nazifa Haqpal, who has been handed the responsibility of leading the desk, was held to discuss issues and concerns that the represented organizations had with regard to the situation of women in the country.

During the meeting many key issues were raised including striving to increase female participation, increasing awareness about women's rights within the public and policy makers; and the importance of consolidating the gains of the last decade in the face of reconciliation efforts with the Taliban.

Mrs. Haqpal and the represented Embassy team reiterated the commitment of the Afghan government to maintaining the gains of the last decade in women’s rights and it fervent efforts to aid the country’s women to achieving their potential.

---

H.E. Hamid Karzai had a telephone conversation with H.E. David Cameron, Prime Minister of Great Britain

May 02, 2013
H.E. Hamid Karzai President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan had a telephone conversation with H.E. David Cameron, Prime Minister of Great Britain yesterday evening.

In this conversation, both sides discussed the progress of the trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, Pakistan and United States which was held in Brussels.

H.E. Hamid Karzai has also offered his deepest condolences on the death of three British soldiers who have recently lost their lives in Helmand province to the Prime Minister and through him to the families of victims.

In response, H.E David Cameron, Prime Minister of Great Britain has also expressed his condolences and sympathy to the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the death of Mr. Shah Wali, head of the Provincial Peace Council in Helmand, who was killed by road side bomb blast carried out by terrorists.

---

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in blood donation program

May 02, 2013
A number of officials of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs donated around 30,000 cc of their blood to the Central Blood Bank yesterday, April 30th.

In line with the blood donation program, recently launched by the Ministry of Public Health, 74 foreign ministry officials including some of the senior staff donated 30000 cc of their blood to the Central Blood Bank.

The aim of this event was to promote the culture of blood donation.

---

Dr. Daud Yaar Visited the Oriental Institute of the University of Oxford.

May 01, 2013
DR. Yaar, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Great Britain, visited the Oriental Institute of the University of Oxford on Tuesday 30th April 2013. During the visit, Dr. Yaar met with the director of the Oriental Institute and its faculty to discuss the institute’s activity in Afghanistan and other issues of mutual interest.

The ambassador and his colleagues from the Afghan Embassy were welcomed by Dr. Arezou Azad, Leverhulme Research Officer and Professor Edmond Herzig, Director of Persian Studies at the Oriental Institute of Oxford University.

Dr. Azad and Professor Herzig are currently involved with Balkh Art and Cultural Heritage Project (funded by the Leverhulme Trust) a project conducting research on cultural heritage of Balkh, while focusing on the early Islamic period (8th to the 12th centuries AD). According to Prof. Herzig, the research is undertaken by means of archaeological investigation of findings in Balkh, the site of the ancient Bactrian civilization in northern Afghanistan.

According to Dr. Arezou Azad, the Balkh Art and Cultural Heritage Project aims to undertake new research on Afghanistan’s early Islamic history, and build the capacity of their Afghan colleagues in cultural heritage research.

The ambassador and Dr. Herzig agreed to work together to further promote the study of Balkh cultural heritage by establishing close channels of cooperation between the Oriental Institute and the relevant Afghan institutions.

---

Finland to continue Afghan aid

April 30, 2013
Finnish development aid for Afghanistan is to continue past 2014, after an agreement was signed during President Hamid Karzai’s working visit to Helsinki.

The aid deal is worth some 30 million euros per year. Up to now, Finland has granted 190 million euros of aid for Afghanistan over the last decade.

Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and Karzai inked the co-operation agreement on Monday. In a press conference, the Afghan leader thanked Finland for the support and expressed the hope that his country might in future be able to learn more about Finland’s school system, which he described as the best in the world.

More---->

---

27 April 1978: A Sad Day for Afghanistan

27th April 1978 - 7th Saur Coup d'etat
By: Dr. Daud Yaar

April 27, 2013
On April 27 1978, the republican regime of Sardar Mohammad Daud was toppled by a bloody coup d’etat launched by a group of low-ranking Soviet-trained officers and their communist civilian associates. The civilian arm of the coup was led by Noor Mohammad Taraki, Hafizullah Amin, Babrak Karmal, and an unknown number of other pro-Soviet individuals trained by the Russian spy agency KGB. The coup organizers were all members of a pro-Soviet alliance of Khalq and Parcham communist parties, called the Peoples’ Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA).

More---->

Last Soviet Soldiers Leave Afghanistan: The New York Times

---

Istanbul Process: Stability and Prosperity in the ‘Heart of Asia’ through Building Confidence and Shared Regional Interests

CONFERENCE DECLARATION
April 27, 2013
Preamble

1. The third ‘Heart of Asia’ Ministerial Conference in the framework of the Istanbul Process, which was launched on 2 November 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey, took place on 26 April 2013 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr Nursultan Nazarbayev, inaugurated the Conference, which was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Zalmai Rassoul, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr Erlan Idrissov.

More---->

---

Statement of H.E. Dr. Zalmai Rassoul, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Third Heart of Asia Ministerial Meeting – Almaty Kazakhstan

April 26, 2013

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Your Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev,
My Esteemed Co-Chair, Your Excellency Foreign Minister Idrisov, Excellencies Foreign Ministers, Heads of Delegation from the Heart of Asia countries and supporting countries of the Istanbul Process,
Secretaries General of Regional Organizations, Distinguished Delegates, Dear Guests,

More---->

Remarks of H.E. Dr. Rassoul, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the joint press conference with H.E. Erlan Edrissov, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan at the conclusion of the Third Heart of Asia Ministerial, in Almaty – Kazakhstan.

Closing Remarks of H.E. Dr. Rassoul, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the conclusion of the Third Heart of Asia Ministerial, in Almaty – Kazakhstan.

---

Statements made by H.E. President Karzai and NATO Secretary General at Joint Press Availability

April 25, 2013
Secretary General:
Mr. President, I’m so pleased to welcome you to NATO Headquarters. This is indeed a timely visit. Soon we will see Afghan troops and police take the lead for security across the country, as ISAF shifts its role from combat to support. That will mark an important milestone on the road to full Afghan security responsibility. The goal that we have set together is now within reach. Afghan security forces are taking the initiative, and they are taking the fight to the enemy.

More---->

---

Statement of H.E. Dr. Zalmai Rassoul at the NATO Foreign Ministerial meeting in Brussels

April 24, 2013
Secretary General Rasmussen,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:

At the outset, please allow me to thank the Secretary General once again for kindly inviting me to this important NATO meeting. As in the past, I’m here to share with you the Afghan government’s perspectives. So it’s indeed a great pleasure to be back with you in this beautiful city with so many of Afghanistan’s friends and allies.

More---->

---

Share on: Facebook          Twitter

April 13, 2013
On 12 April 2013, 2nd Lieutenant Amanullah Baryalay, an army cadet from the Ministry of National Defence and 2nd Lieutenant Hashmatullah Azimi, a cadet from the Ministry of Interior of Afghanistan were successfully graduated from the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst.

At this event which was held at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, H.E. Dr.Daoud Yaar Afghan Ambassador in the United Kingdom and Major Nezamudin Marzi Acting Defence Attaché of the Embassy participated the ceremony.

General Nick Parker Britain’s chief of the army staff and former ISAF deputy commander in Kabul honoured as chief guest. The ceremony began with Sovereign’s Parade by the Band of the Royal Artillery Unit, then General Sir Nick Parker, Britain’s chief of the army staff congratulated the cadets for their graduation during his speech.

H.E. Dr. Yaar the Afghan Ambassador conveys his greetings to General Sir Nick Parker and Major General T.P Evans the commander of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Ambassador acknowledged the great contribution of the Royal Academy in training the Afghan officers and expressed wishes to the academy that in the future they can accept more cadets from Afghanistan . At this event, 2nd Lieutenant Hashmatullah Azimi has been honoured with The Hodson’s Horse Merit Award.