SAARC Diary: Afghan Delegation Visit to India
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: Afghanistan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar heading a delegation of senior officials completed a two-day official visit to India on Tuesday. It was first trip to India after he assumed his current post in April, last year.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Haneef Atmar held discussion focussing on reinforcing the India-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership, especially in the areas of political, security, trade, economic, capacity building, education, social, and cultural relations. Under the aegis of the India-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement, the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) is chaired by both India’s External Affairs Minister and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister.
According to the press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar emphasised the importance of a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire for a successful Afghan peace process, as well as the importance of lasting peace in Afghanistan for the peace, security, and prosperity of the region and the world. During the meeting, a number of topics were discussed, including India’s comprehensive development partnership with Afghanistan, regional and global issues of mutual interest, and Afghan peace efforts. EAM assured the Afghan Foreign Minister of India’s long-term commitment to a peaceful, sovereign, stable, and inclusive Afghanistan in which all citizens’ rights are protected under a democratic constitutional framework.
Jaishankar and Atmar had signed a MoU on February 9 in the presence of Indian Prime Minister and Afghan President Ghani for the construction of the Shatoot dam, which will provide drinking water to Kabul. Haneef Atmar expressed gratitude to India for its $3 billion in development assistance and the implementation of projects that have benefited all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.
Atmar also met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during his stay in Delhi.
(Venkatesh Iyer)
