Celebration of the 99th Anniversary of Regaining Independence Day of Afghanistan in the city of Warsaw – Republic of Poland

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Warsaw celebrated the 99th anniversary of regaining Independence of Afghanistan in the city of Warsaw - Republic of Poland, on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Republic of Poland, dean of the diplomatic corps, Ambassadors, chargé d' affairs of embassies of the friendly countries in Warsaw, Vice-Rector of the University
of Warsaw, Rector’s Representative for International Affairs, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, journalists, some of the citizens of Afghanistan who are residing in Warsaw, Students, and members of the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Warsaw.

At the beginning of the program, the national anthems of Afghanistan and Poland were broadcasted, afterward, his Excellency Mr. Gul Hussain Ahmadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Republic
of Poland, delivered his speech on the occasion of 99th Anniversary of Regaining Independence
Day of Afghanistan.

The ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan welcomed and expressed his thanks for participation
of distinguished guests at the ceremony of celebration the anniversary of the independence of the country, meanwhile he appreciated the courage and sacrifices of those of our compatriots who struggled and endeavored to obtain the independence of Afghanistan from then Britain and at the same time, on behalf of the members
of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Warsaw, he expressed his deepest condolences
and sympathy to those, who lost members of family and friends during the recent heinous and inhuman terrorist attacks in Kabul and some other parts of Afghanistan.

The ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Warsaw, on the following of his speech, speak about some of the achievements of Afghanistan in the recent years, at the same time, he also speak about the historical and friendly relations between the two countries of Afghanistan and Poland.

At the end of the ceremony, the guests were invited for dinner meal where the tables and salons of the hotel were decorated with the flags of Afghanistan and Poland, flowers, also with the beautiful pictures from different regions of our beloved country, Afghanistan. During the ceremony and till the end of program,
slides with the pictures from the historical trip of late ghazi Amanullah Khan, former king of Afghanistan to Poland in the year 1928 and the pictures from the beautiful landscapes of the country had been exhibited.

The speech of his Excellency Mr. Gul Hussain Ahmadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Warsaw, is presented as follows:

"Your excellencies, senior officials from the government of the Republic Poland, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen!

Good evening!

First of all, I would like to thank you for your kind participation in the celebration of the 99th anniversary
of regaining Independence Day of Afghanistan.

On this occasion, I express my gratitude and appreciation to all our fellow countrymen, for their courage
and sacrifice, during the regaining Independence of Afghanistan, (19th August, 1919).

At the same time, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to those, who lost members of family
and friends during the recent heinous and inhuman terrorist attacks in Kabul and some other
parts of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan has an important and strategic location in Asia. In the last four decades, the people of Afghanistan witnessed imposing war, challenges and recently terrorist attacks.

Moreover, despite the challenges, in the last seventeen years; Afghanistan has made achievements in different areas, such as: political, economic, security, cultural, educational, social, etc.

Political

In the last 17 years, Afghanistan as a young democracy has made significant achievements in strengthening government and social institutions, rule of law and freedom of speech and etc. This year parliamentary election will be held on 20th October 2018, and the Presidential election will be held on April 2019.

Education

In education fields, in 2002, we had less than one million students attend schools, but now more than 9 million students, girls and boys are enrolled in schools. In 2002, we had only 29 Government Universities in Afghanistan but now further to the 32 government universities, there are more than 120 private universities and higher educational institutions. We also have thousands of students studying in the other countries, including Poland.

Security

In the security area; since January 2015, National Security Forces of Afghanistan have been maintaining
the security of all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, and at same time, combating against the Taliban
and other international terrorist groups.

The Government of Afghanistan has strong determination to reach long lasting peace and stability.
We will continue the reconciliation and peace process with those, who accept the constitution of Afghanistan, leave their weapons and respect democratic values.

As the continuation of these efforts, on 21st August, this year, during the Eid-al Adha, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, announced unconditional cease-fire
with the Taliban, but it was not recognized by them.

Unfortunately terrorism is still remains a threat for Afghanistan. Just last month, on August 15th (2018)
we have lost more than 50 young students, girls and boys and more than 70 other teenage students
have been injured in a horrific and inhuman terrorist attack in an educational center in west part of Kabul.

There is no doubt, terrorism is a threat not only to my country-Afghanistan but also it is a serious challenge
for the entire region and International Community as well.

Economy

In the economic sector, over the past years, we have implemented many national projects to improve
the economy. At the same time last year, regional economic projects were inaugurated: such as KASA-1000
- to transfer of 1,300 MW of electricity from central Asia to South Asia and TAPI project - to transfer gas,
through the pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India.

There are projects for connecting Afghanistan with neighboring, and other countries, such as: “Lapis Lazuli Route” it will connect Afghanistan with European countries via Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, “Chabahar Port”, which connects Afghanistan to the sea, as well as direct cargo train from China to Afghanistan and vice versa.

Since last year, we have inaugurated “Air Cargo Corridors” for exporting goods to India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. At the moment, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan began their discussions
with the European Union and with China to start the next “Air Cargo Corridor” to these countries.

Further to the great potential of trade and business opportunities, Afghanistan has more than 400 kinds
of rich mineral resources, such as: oil, gas, iron, copper, and gold, even rare mineral resources like lithium.

Many kinds of precious and semi-precious stones, such as: emerald, lapis lazuli, ruby, the best marble, granite, etc.

I would like to invite all the business communities and friends from Poland, for investment and take
part in business opportunity in different sectors in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan and Poland Relations

Afghanistan and Poland have historical and friendly relations. The bilateral relations between the two countries have been developing in the areas of political, security, economical, commercial, cultural, education, social, and other areas over the past nine decades.

This year, the Republic of Poland is celebrating 100th year anniversary of regaining independence- I would like to convey my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on this historical and important occasion to the people and government of Poland.

Further to the other official visits between our two countries in the last few years, this year, H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland, visited Kabul on 26th March 2018 and met with H.E. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. During this meeting, they had a fruitful discussion on the wide range of bilateral relations and cooperation between our two countries.

I would like to convey my thanks and appreciation for all the support, the Republic of Poland extended to Afghanistan and the cooperation of the security forces of Poland in the framework of the “Resolute Supporting Mission” in Afghanistan.

Presenting of my Credential letters to Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania

I would also like to mention, this year; I had the honor, to present my credential letters, as non-residence Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Republic of Estonia, Republic of Lithuania, Republic of Latvia and Romania.

Afghanistan has friendly and historical relations with all those countries as well. We are grateful for their support during the past years.

In conclusion, I convey my best wishes of success and more prosperity for Afghanistan, Poland and all our distinguished guests.

Thank you for your kind attention." 

Warsaw-Poland

Dated: 4th September, 2018