The situation in Afghanistan A/RES/71/9 13. Recalls that regional security cooperation plays a key role in maintaining stability in Afghanistan and the region, welcomes the progress achieved by Afghanistan and regional partners in this regard, and calls for further efforts by Afghanistan and regional partners and organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to strengthen their partnership and cooperation, including to enhance the capabilities of the Afghan security forces and to enhance security in the region; 14. Remains deeply concerned about the persistent problem of anti-personnel landmines and explosive remnants of war, welcomes the achievements to date in the implementation of the Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan aimed at declaring Afghanistan mine-free by 2023, underscores the importance of sustained international assistance, encourages the Government o f Afghanistan, with the support of the United Nations and all relevant actors, to continue its efforts to meet its responsibilities under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, 2 expresses concern at the use of improvised explosive devices by the Taliban against civilians and the Afghan security forces, and notes the need to enhance coordination and information-sharing between both Member States and the private sect or to prevent the flow of improvised explosive device components to the Taliban; Peace and reconciliation 15. Welcomes the peace agreement signed by the Government of Afghanistan and the High Peace Council with Hizb-i Islami on 22 September 2016 as an important development in the overall peace effort of the Government, and calls for its effective implementation; 16. Recognizes that an Afghan-led inclusive peace process backed by regional actors, in particular Pakistan, supported by the international comm unity, is essential for achieving long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan, reiterates its firm commitment to support the Government of Afghanistan in its efforts in this regard with all those who renounce violence, sever ties with international terror ist organizations, including Al-Qaida, respect the Constitution, including its human rights provisions, notably the rights of women and girls, as well as the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and are willing to join in building a peaceful Afghanistan, with full respect for the implementation of the measures and application of the procedures introduced by the Security Council in its resolutions 1267 (1999), 1988 (2011), 2082 (2012), 2160 (2014) and 2255 (2015), as well as other relevant resolutions of the Council, calls upon all relevant States, especially neighbouring countries, and international organizations to remain engaged in the Afghan-led peace process, and recognizes the impact terrorist attacks have on the Afghan people and risk having on future prospects for a peace settlement; 17. Encourages Afghanistan and Pakistan to enhance their relationship, which could lead to cooperation to effectively combat terrorism and move forward the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process; 18. Recalls that women play a vital role in the peace process, as recognized by the Security Council in its resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000 and in related resolutions, including resolution 2242 (2015) of 13 October 2015, welcomes steps taken by the Government of Afghanistan in implementing its national action _______________ 2 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2056, No. 35597. 5/12