Afghanistan Times
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KABUL: After garnering vote of confidence from the Wolesi Jirga eight cabinet nominees were sworn is by President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday will assume their offices this week.
Salahuddin Rabbani took charge as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Noorul Haq Ulomi as Minister of Interior, Muhammad Eklil Hakemi as Minister of Finance, Dawood Shah Saba as Minister of Mine and Petroleum, Sayed Husain Aalemi Balkhi as Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Faiz Muhammad Usmani as Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs, Ferozuddin Feroz as Minister of Public Health and Nasir Ahmad Durani as Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development.
The ministers took charge of the respective ministries through a legal procedure. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah introduced Salahuddin Rabbani and called him a suitable person for the slot.
The new foreign affairs minister vowed to prioritize the national interests and review the foreign policy to plug the loopholes in order to safeguard the national interest efficiently. He said that he would work according to the guideline of the government and with support of the lawmakers and foreign affairs experts.
He said that he would focus his energies to secure national interest of the country. “Strengthening relations with the Muslim countries will be my top priority. I will try my best to get support of the regional countries to counter terrorism and narcotics,” he said.
Abdullah also introduced Noorul Haq Ulomi to the interior ministry staffers. The CEO termed Ulomi as well-qualified and talented figure who could play significant role in maintaining security.
He added that ministers who were approved by the Wolesi Jirga are committed to bring reforms and provide better services.
Regarding security situation he said the national unity government with support of public would try best to improve the law and order situation in the country.
Commending the police force for its sacrifices and better performance in the over past decade, the chief executive said that police and other law enforcement agencies have performed well in the ongoing war on militancy to defeat anti-state elements.
Abdullah said that maintaining foolproof security is a major responsibility of the government that’s why qualified persons are appointed as ministers.
Minister of Interior, Noorul Haq Ulomi, said that fight against corruption, recruiting talented people at key posts and enhancing coordination between interior ministry departments are his top priorities.
He pledged to maintain security and keep politics and tribalism away from the police force for better performance.
Chief of the National Directorate of Security, Rahmatullah Nabil, has already started work as the country is passing through critical juncture and role of the spy agency is deemed most vital at this point. ( By A.Z. Qayomi/ Akhtar M. Nikzad)
