AMN /
President Ram Nath Kovind has said, India deeply respects the supreme sacrifice made by the Afghan National Defence and Security forces to fight the forces of terror.
He said, India stands with the government and people of Afghanistan in their quest for peace, stability and prosperity.
He said this while interacting with visiting Chief Executive of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening.
Mr. Kovind said, India is indebted to them for ensuring security of its people, Mission and Consulates in Afghanistan. He said New Delhi strongly condemns the acts of cross border terror perpetrated against the people of Afghanistan.
The President said that India considers Dr Abdullah as a very close friend and admires his selfless leadership given through difficult times.
Earlier, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence, where both leaders reaffirmed the strength and closeness of the multifaceted strategic partnership.
They welcomed the accelerated cooperation, including through the recent announcement of a New Development Partnership during the meeting of the bilateral Strategic Partnership Council in New Delhi.
They discussed enhancing bilateral economic and development cooperation and the abundant opportunities in this regard.
The two leaders exchanged views on the security environment in Afghanistan and the extended region, and, in this context, agreed to continue close cooperation. Mr. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to extend full support to Afghanistan’s efforts for building a peaceful, united, prosperous, inclusive and democratic country.
Dr. Abdullah conveyed Afghanistan’s deep appreciation for India’s continuing support for infrastructure development and capacity building in Afghanistan.
An MoU for Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development was exchanged in the presence of the two leaders at the conclusion of the meeting.
The Chief Executive of Afghanistan also held wide ranging discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.