ProMASS News Bureau: Feb 1, 2016:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support to the efforts of the Afghan people in building a peaceful, stable, prosperous, inclusive and democratic country. The Prime Minister conveyed this while meeting the Chief Executive and Head of the Council of the Ministers of Afghanistan, Dr Abdullah Abdullah in New Delhi on Feb 1. PM Modi expressed deep gratitude towards the Government and the National Security Forces of Afghanistan for their bravery and sacrifice in order to protect the Indians, especially during the attack on the Indian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif last month. Dr Abdullah recalled the maiden and successful visit of the Prime Minister to Afghanistan in December last year. He said that the visit reenergised the strategic partnership between the two countries. He deeply appreciated the support being extended by India for infrastructure development and capacity building in Afghanistan. The two leaders also shared views on further deepening the strategic partnership, both in the bilateral and regional context.
An Agreement for visa free travel for diplomatic passport holders of the two countries was exchanged in the presence of the two leaders. Dr Abdullah also met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj where they talked about security cooperation with the war-torn country seeking enhanced defence assistance. Mrs Swaraj emphasized on a strategic partnership for the benefit of people. She also conveyed approval of 3rd phase of 92 small development projects in Afghanistan to the visiting dignitary. The Afghan leader’s visit also comes as India gave three of the four multi-role Mi-35 helicopters to Kabul last month. They have been assembled and are now fully operational to combat terrorism in the war-torn country.
Tomorrow, Dr Abdullah will deliver a Keynote Address at the Conference on Counter-terrorism which is being held in Jaipur.
