Dr. Ashraf Ghani
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Dr. Ashraf Ghani
Speech text State Building Consensus Building

From Ancient Silk to Modern Security: Reimagining the Afghanistan-China Strategic Corridor

From Ancient Silk to Modern Security: Reimagining the Afghanistan-China Strategic Corridor

(Keynote Address on the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic - ARG Kabul)

Keypoints:

  • Historical Legacy: Linking 2,000 years of Silk Road history to modern diplomatic ties.
  • Infrastructure: Integrating Afghanistan into the "One Belt, One Road" via the Wakhan Corridor.
  • Social Contract: Building 10,000 homes for the families of the nation’s fallen heroes.
  • Physical Security: Using advanced scanners to protect Kabul from international terrorism.
  • Human Capital: Training a professional workforce through 3,500 strategic scholarships.
  • Economic Growth: Turning national resources into long-term jobs and regional prosperity.

 

Part I: Address by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Your Excellency Li, Vice President of China; Your Excellency Karzai, National Leader; Your Excellency Dr. Abdullah; Your Excellency Ibrahimi, Speaker of the Wolesi Jirga; Your Excellency Speaker of the Meshrano Jirga; esteemed members of the Cabinet; the delegation accompanying the Vice President; sisters and brothers! Peace and blessings be upon you all.

1. Historical and Cultural Foundations

The friendship between Afghanistan and China is not new; we share a history of at least two thousand years. Five hundred years ago, Islamic painting—through the school of Behzad and cultural embassies to China—left a lasting impact on Islamic art for centuries. Paper spread to the world through the relationship between Afghanistan and China, as did the arts of printing and textiles. However, the last 60 years hold a special character because China has been a friend in both good times and bad.

2. Regional Connectivity and the "One Belt, One Road"

As we celebrate this 60th anniversary, today is significant because a high-ranking official of Your Excellency’s stature has visited Afghanistan after many years. On behalf of the people, the political community, the government, and myself, I am honored to welcome you. We view your visit as a symbol of the will to broaden and deepen the friendship between our two nations and governments.

Our friendship is built on shared interests and shared threats. China’s policy is one of regional stability and prosperity—the "One Belt, One Road" policy initiated by President Xi Jinping. This is a policy of cooperation based on shared regional prosperity and the equality of states. In this policy, the Silk Road is a symbol, a concept, and a practical short, medium, and long-term program.

3. Infrastructure and the Wakhan Corridor

A part of our discussion focused on how Afghanistan can once again become a major crossroads of Asian civilization and the great Asian economy. In this area:

  • Infrastructure Investment: We focus on Chinese investment to turn resources (water, location, electricity) into reality.

  • The Wakhan Corridor: It is the dream of every Afghan that this point becomes a regional connection hub.

  • Expansion Projects: We hope for pipelines, electricity grids, railways, and road construction to deepen our relations.

4. Humanitarian Support and Security Agreements

China has expressed its commitment clearly. President Xi Jinping sent a special message which the Vice President read today. They have not only provided aid through the Red Cross, but a plane has arrived today with essential goods. Furthermore, the Chinese President pledged one million dollars in cash for earthquake victims.

Today we signed three key agreements for our national wellbeing:

  • Physical Security: Advanced scanners to inspect trucks and vehicles to prevent terrorism in Kabul.

  • Social Security (Housing): For the first time, 10,000 affordable housing units (worth 500 million Yuan/$79M) will be built. These will prioritize the families of the fallen heroes of our Army, Police, and National Security.

  • Human Capital (Education): Strengthening education through 3,500 total scholarships to ensure a professional workforce.

5. Regional Peace and Counter-Terrorism

We are two states committed to peace, but we are both threatened by regional and international terrorism. We discussed how to control this "evil phenomenon."

  • Security Assistance: China agreed to 180 million Yuan in security aid.

  • Recognition of Sovereignty: This is a regional and global war, not a civil war. We seek a peace based on the equality of independent states, starting with Afghanistan and Pakistan.

6. Personal Tributes and Closing

Your Excellency Vice President! I thank you for your historic role. You come from a family of revolutionaries. You transformed Jiangsu province from poverty to prosperity. Please convey our greetings to your wife and to President Xi Jinping. I believe our friendship will become deeper and more useful.

Long live the friendship between Afghanistan and China!

Part II: Address by Vice President Li Yuanchao

Honorable President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, Honorable Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Honorable former President Hamid Karzai, ladies and gentlemen, peace be upon you!

I am very proud to participate in the 60th-anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations. On behalf of the Chinese people, I offer my heartfelt best wishes to all Afghans. I especially thank the students who sang the national anthems so beautifully.

1. Immediate Disaster Relief

A few days ago, a severe earthquake in northern Afghanistan caused great loss. President Xi Jinping and I sent messages of condolence. A relief plane worth 10 million Yuan has just arrived in Kabul. Additionally, I announce one million US dollars in cash assistance to the Afghan government.

2. Four Pillars of Future Cooperation

We will continue to help Afghanistan rebuild its home. Our cooperation focuses on four areas:

  • High-Level Exchanges: We welcome Chief Executive Abdullah to the upcoming SCO meeting in China.

  • Development Projects: China will fulfill its pledge of 1.5 billion Yuan in unconditional aid over three years, including 500 million Yuan for housing this year. We support the "Silk Road Economic Belt."

  • Security and Defense: We will deepen cooperation to raise Afghanistan’s anti-terrorism capacity.

  • Peace Process: China supports an "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" peace process and encourages the international community to meet its commitments to Afghanistan.

3. Final Commitment

China has been, is, and will always be a reliable neighbor and friend. We hope for peace and stability so that Afghans can benefit from progress. Let us strengthen this friendship generation after generation.

May the friendship between China and Afghanistan be eternal! Thank you!

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