Afghan president stresses greater cooperation among pillars of state

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: President Ashraf Ghani, saying that people’s demands are being met, has stressed the need for strengthening cooperation and among the key pillars of the state.

Ghani made the remarks during a meeting with leaders of administrative boards of the two houses of the parliament on Sunday evening.

He also outlined his achievements during recent foreign trips.

“The international environment has changed in the past 40 years, and demands of our people, who have rendered a lot of sacrifices, are being implemented. Unified action is needed to achieve our goals,” Ghani said.

In a statement from the Presidential Palace, he said there were great opportunities for Afghanistan’s development. The opportunities had come about as a result of sacrifices of the Afghan people and security forces, he added.

Describing poverty and divisions the major enemy of Afghanistan, he hoped the country’s economic situation would improve only if there was ample cooperation among the state pillars.

Cooperation and trust among the three pillars was important, the president commented, thanking the parliament for accelerating legislative efforts. He said some laws had been referred to the Ministry of Justice for publication while others would also be approved.

Ghani said: “Reforms in the infrastructure sector are difficult in the absence of basic laws. You will see that I support the law and act according to the law.”

The president said joint meetings were important on major national issues and the parliament’s role was vital in finding solutions to national problems.

Wolesi Jirga Speaker Abdur Rauf Ibrahimi, who attended the meeting, urged the government to introduce ministers-designate to complete the cabinet.

He said national interest was seen as a red line in all countries. Afghanistan also needed public help international support for its development.

Ibrahimi said the president’s foreign trips were based on the national interest and the entire nation had been witness to positive results from Ghani’s recent visits.

Fazal Hadi Muslimyar, chairman of the Meshrano Jirga, thanked the president for seeking their advice. He said the parliament was working in full coordination with the government and shared its views.

About national unity and solidarity, the Senate chairman said: “Since we are better-off in unity, we support the government and its programmes.”

Afghanistan was faced with a whole host of problems and all people including the parliament were responsible for supporting and strengthening the system, he concluded.