International meet on Afghanistan tomorrow

NEW DELHI: Security, political and economic transitions apart from electoral reforms and reconciliation process in Afghanistan will be among the key issues which will be discussed at the international meet on the war-torn country here tomorrow to be attended by over 50 countries.

India will be represented by its Special Envoy for Afghanistan-Pakistan S K Lambah at the The International Contact Group on Afghanistan-Pakistan (ICG) which will be followed by 'Heart of Asia' (HoA) meet on Friday, in which Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh will represent the country.

While ICG, which was previously known as the 'Group of Special representatives on Afghanistan and Pakistan' will see 53 countries participating, HoA will be attended by 30 ministerial and high-level delegations from countries in the region and the supporting nations apart from 11 high-level delegations from regional and international organisations.

ICG, which is convened by Germany, is the main forum for political coordination with respect to the international efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

"During its meeting, ICG will discusses all major developments with respect to Afghanistan including security, political and economic transitions. Electoral reforms, reconciliation process and performance of Afghan government on governance etc will also be taken up," sources said.

In past the Group has helped in developing a broad consensus among international community to remain engaged and assist Afghanistan in its efforts for reconstruction of that country, they added.

Afghanistan, which is witnessing drawdown of Western combat forces, is scheduled to go for Presidential polls on April five.

During Senior Officials Meetings (SOM) of HoA on Friday, the participants will deliberate on ways to enhance regional security and cooperation for a secure and stable Afghanistan. The ministerial meet of HoA will be hosted by China later this year.

The HoA is part of the 'Istanbul Process' which aims at achieving lasting stability and prosperity, anchored in a regional environment that was stable, economically integrated and conducive to shared prosperity.