Afghanistan | Independence Day

Towards transition

It’s been 11 years since 9/11, Dr Mohammad Daud Yaar, Afghanistan’s new Ambassador, reminded guests at his first Independence Day celebration in London. Speaking to an audience of senior ministers, ambassadors and officials, the Ambassador said his country was moving from a difficult decade of transition to one of transformation – in which Afghanistan was ready to reach out to its regional neighbours, its international partners and indeed armed insurgents: “Our differences…should not stop us from agreeing on the vital issues of peace and reconciliation,” he said. In her address, FCO Senior Minister of State Baroness Warsi reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to an enduring partnership, adding that the UK was “with Afghanistan for the journey… The troops may come back but our relationship goes beyond that”.

PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS

The Ambassador of Kuwait and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Mr Khaled Al Duwaisan congratulates Ambassador Yaar

The Ambassador of Belgium Mr Johan Verbeke, General Sir David Richards (Chief of the Defence Staff) and the Ambassador of Switzerland Mr Anton Thalmann

US Deputy Chief of Mission Mrs Barbara Stephenson congratulates the Ambassador of Afghanistan Dr Mohammad Daud Yaar

Freshta Omer, Nazifa Haqpal and Khatera Omar, all from the Embassy of Afghanistan

The Ambassador of Turkmenistan Mr Yazmurad Seryaev and Ambassador Dr Mohammad Daud Yaar

The Ambassador of Afghanistan Dr Mohammad Daud Yaar gives his National Day address

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan Mr Otabek Akbarov and the Ambassador of Afghanistan Dr Mohammad Daud Yaar

Senior Minister of State Baroness Warsi addresses the guests

Guests enjoyed traditional Afghan hospitality

Dr David Macdowall donated a rare collection of Kushan coins to the National Museum of Kabul

Zarghona Rassa (British Afghan Women’s Society) and Patrick Moody (Head of FCO Afghanistan Department)