PUTRAJAYA – Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah underscored Malaysia’s support for an inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled process, towards a lasting political solution that will bring about peace and security in Afghanistan.
A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry early today said Saifuddin also urged respect for the sanctity of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan, which guarantees the full and meaningful participation of women, youth and minorities.
Saifuddin said this when participating virtually in a United Nations (UN) High-level Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan yesterday.
He also pledged a US$100,000 (RM414,792) financial contribution from Malaysia to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis situation in Afghanistan.
In the foreign minister’s intervention during the meeting, he stressed that the safety, security, human rights and well-being of all Afghan people and other nationals in the country have to be given priority, and pushed for immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
The emergency meeting was convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to demonstrate solidarity for the people of Afghanistan and to issue a flash appeal for funding and support by the international community to address the acute humanitarian needs in Afghanistan.
The UN secretary-general highlighted the urgent need for US$604 million to support 11 million Afghan people for the next four months.
Malaysia’s participation in the meeting reflected her solidarity for the people of Afghanistan and unwavering support to the UN in alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people, the statement added. – Bernama, September 14, 2021
