 As-salamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, Prime Minister Shahru Salvi, Tabi Masmus, Prime Minister of Manuwatu, Mr. Chairman, Secretary General Olin Jauh, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon to all of you. First of all, I would like to take the opportunity in cordially thank the International Community Communication Union for inviting me to attend this preliminary Potentially Conference 18. It's a true pleasure and honor to be here on behalf of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at such an important event. Please allow me to begin by thanking His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UEE, and Ruler of Dubai, and the Government of United Arab Emirates for hosting this important conference and for their kind hospitality. Distinguished delegates, the development in the field of ICT has revolutionized every aspect of human being and the way people communicate or share information in the society now. The ICT usage has now been extended to almost all areas of the society through the consistent efforts of the Government as well as generous assistance and support provided by the ICT stakeholders, especially ITU. As far as Afghanistan is concerned, I would like to thank you, Mr. Secretary General, especially for your visit to Afghanistan and your contributions in this field. It's worth mentioning that Internet is gaining rapid popularity in the mobile usage as reached an extraordinary level, recognizing the growing demand for reliable and affordable Internet connectivity in the region. As a minor contribution in this region, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has embarked on a number of noteworthy achievements, including approval of open access policy by the Government, which will further support the private sector to invest in fiber optics, which will result in a strong competition amongst operators in terms of service quality and tariffs. Digital CASA project, connecting Afghanistan to China, Central Asia, and Europe through fiber optics. The Government of Afghanistan has extended the fiber optic networks with a total length of 4,500 kilometers to 25 provinces, which enables 90 percent of Afghans to benefit from the telecommunication services. Afghanistan fiber optic is connected to five neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Six GSM operators in one landline operator providing broadband service throughout the country. Until last June, the total number of GSM active subscribers in the country has exceeded 20.3 million. The number of internet subscribers has reached 9.7 million, which is a considerable achievement in the last decade. To date, nearly a total amount of 2.3 billion US dollars have been invested in ICT development areas. It's great news for our community that 130 TVs and 310 FM radio are broadcasting throughout the country. While in the year 2001, we had only one TV channel and one radio operator in the country. As a member of the ITU, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan fully endorses the visions, goals, and targets of UN SDGs. And we commit that in light of SDGs, we could provide standard ICT services and paved the way for private sector to invest in the field of ICT in the country. And once again, I would like to thank the UAE authorities for the generous hosting of the ITU, for organizing such a valuable event. I wish you all successful meeting ahead. Thank you. Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.