Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS TO THE READERS OF THE DAILY OUTLOOK AFGHANISTAN FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS TO THE READERS OF  THE DAILY OUTLOOK AFGHANISTAN  FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

People in many countries of the world including Russia are welcoming now the New Year of 2012. It is the time when we are looking back to the memorable moments of the past year and making plans for the coming one.
2011 was a successful year for our cooperation with Afghanistan. Our traditionally friendly and good neighborly relations have further strengthened in all spheres. President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan paid the first official visit to Russia last January. Our leaders had two more meetings during the year which shows the intensity of the political dialogue between Kabul and Moscow.

Russia stands for prosperous, peaceful, sovereign and neutral Afghanistan free of terrorism and narcotics, living in harmony with its neighbors. At the Bonn conference Russia confirmed once again our commitment to contribute to strengthening Afghan independence and rebuilding your country devastated by years of conflict.

We support the efforts of President Hamid Karzai towards a wide national reconciliation and believe that it is the only road to peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Russia is ready to further promote regional cooperation through existing multilateral formats such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization which will benefit all our nations.

Looking back to the year that has just passed we see many more things that Russia and Afghanistan could do together. But these are not missed opportunities. We're taking them into the New Year with a resolution to achieve more in our cooperation. Our focus is going to be on rebuilding and development. But much attention will be also paid to education because young Afghan professionals are going to be in great demand when peace comes.

It is also my pleasure to inform you that in the coming year we start rebuilding the Russian Cultural Center in Kabul. I hope it will become again an important part of the Afghan capital's cultural life.
Dear friends!

Let me express to you and all Afghans my sincere wishes of health, happiness and prosperity in the coming year. And may peace be upon you.

Andrey Avetisyan
Ambassador of Russia