Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey addressed at the Third Ministerial Conference of the Istanbul Process on April, 26 2013 in Almaty, Kazakhistan.

Pointing out that regional issues call for regional responses Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that the Istanbul Process is the response of the region to challenges faced by the region as a whole.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu emphasized that within the framework of regular meetings since the Kabul Ministerial Conference last year, the Participating Countries worked tirelessly to lay down plans towards a common vision: “A peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan anchored in a secure and stable region”.

Drawing attention to the significant progress made on three main aspects of the Process, namely implementing confidence building measures, enhancing regional dialogue and creating synergies among regional organizations and initiatives Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “Taking stock of the last one and a half years, I am assured that the Istanbul Process will continue in the same spirit of ownership, cooperation, dialogue and commitment, and be instrumental in establishing the favorable environment in which both Afghanistan and the countries of the region can prosper together.”

“Challenges faced by Afghanistan, are challenges faced by our region. Dealing with terrorism, extremism, and narcotics production and trafficking require concerted action” pointed out Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stressing that Turkey will continue to be in solidarity with Afghanistan and will continue to support Afghanistan in its efforts to establish security and stability”.

Address by Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey at the Third Ministerial Conference of the Istanbul Process, 26 April 2013, Almaty