Delivered by Mr Martin Kobler, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan

3 November 2010, ISTANBUL, Turkey - I thank the Government of Turkey for its initiative in hosting this fourth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan.

Dari - Pashto

Since this forum was created in Kabul in 2005, it has grown from 20 to 60 countries. Most importantly, it has delivered results.

The new trade and transit agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan has now been signed and awaits endorsement by the legislatures of the two countries. I congratulate the Afghan and Pakistani governments on this achievement, which will benefit both countries.

I urge all Afghanistan's neighbours and other countries in the region to continue to push for progress on economic cooperation. I welcome your consideration today of transport infrastructure, energy sharing and counter-narcotics.

The RECCA must remain an Afghan-centred approach focused on concrete objectives that benefit all participants. It should complement the Kabul Process of transition to full Afghan leadership and responsibility. Each meeting should lead to real developments on the ground that, in turn, become the basis for progress in future meetings. That approach has been the key to the success of this forum to date, and it will remain so for the future.

Thank you again for your contributions to the vitally important work of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. I wish you every success in your deliberations.