Speech by British Ambassador Mark Sedwill

On the occasion of celebrating the official birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has been the United Kingdom's Head of State for 57 years. But in Kabul we also come together to celebrate a friendship between our countries that spans some nine decades. We will always be strongly committed to this friendship. And I am delighted that my friend, Senior Minister Arsala, and other Ministers, are with us today.

While there are significant challenges ahead, it is important that we remember how much there is to celebrate here in Afghanistan. Real progress is being made. Over the last seven years five million refugees have returned home. More than six million children - over a third of them girls - are now in school. And eighteen Afghan provinces are poppy free.

Five years ago Afghans were given the opportunity to shape your destiny in the first democratic Presidential elections. This year, you will get another opportunity to exercise your democratic rights. I hope Afghans across all provinces and all tribes will get out and vote.

I know the considerable sacrifice that many Afghans have paid, and continue to pay, in order to secure a better future for their country. It is a future to which the United Kingdom is committed. We are the second largest bilateral donor to Afghanistan, and the second largest military contributor.

Our own sacrifice includes the lives of 152 British soldiers. Many more Afghan soldiers and policemen have given their lives. We owe them all, and those continuing their task, a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot express.

I am proud to be here as The Queen’s Ambassador. With Afghanistan’s friends we are seeking to play our part in helping you, realise the prosperous and peaceful future that you deserve.

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