We welcome the holding of the presidential and provincial council elections in Afghanistan on 5 April 2014 according to schedule. Thus, the terrorist attacks perpetrated to disrupt the elections during the last weeks, including on election day, did not reach their goal.

The participation rate estimated at 60% according to initial reports confirmed Afghanistan’s determination to stand on its own feet. Moreover, the fact that the elections were held successfully is promising for the future of the country as it shows the capacity reached by Afghan public institutions and Afghan security forces. The able leadership of President Hamid Karzai has also played an important role in these positive developments.

We congratulate the State and the people of Afghanistan, who acted in political maturity, for their sensible attitude. Turkey will continue to be in solidarity with brotherly Afghanistan for the country’s security, stability and welfare and work in close cooperation with the new Afghan administration which will reflect the choice of the Afghan people as it did with the previous ones.