Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the new building of Parliament in Afghanistan. It has been constructed by India at a cost of about 90 million US dollars. Parliament building has a block named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Mr Modi will also have meetings with Chief Executive of Afghanistan Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Addressing the members of Wolesi Jigra, Mr Narendra Modi said, great people of Afghanistan waged an epic struggle of courage and resolve to shape their future with vote and debate not gun and violence.
The Prime Minister asserted that Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border and nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut. He said, India is with Afghanistan to contribute not to compete. He said, New Delhi will help in laying the foundation of strong future of Kabul, not light the flame of conflict. He said, despite those who did not want India in Afghanistan, he is in Kabul because of faith of Afghanistan in India.
Promising that India is with Afghanistan in fighting with terror, the Prime Minister said, terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan’s future or dictate the choices Afghans make. Noting that Kabul is a land where legends are born- of poetry and beauty, of valour and honour, of pride and generosity, Mr Modi said, New Delhi will always stand together with Kabul to rebuilt it.
He praised the country for never doubting the strength of friendship between the two countries. Mr Modi exuded confidence that hope will return to homes, laughter in schools, life in streets and prosperity in cities of Afghanistan. He said, the world must support Afghanistan without timelines because new cloud of extremism are rising, even as the old ones continue to darken our skies.
Mr Modi also announced 500 scholarships for children of the martyrs of Afghan security forces while scheme of 1000 scholarships will continue. He said, sacrifices of Afghan people must not go in vain.
Saying that both the countries could not have chosen a more special day than the birthday of one of the tallest leaders former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji for the inauguration of a building of Parliament. Mr Modi said, he stands on behalf of 1.25 billion friends in India in admiration for the achievements in gratitude for Afghanistan friendship. He said, India is deeply touched that Afghan people have chosen to name the new building the ‘Atal Block’.
Mr Narendra Modi said, the Parliament Complex is a small tribute to Afghanistan progress as a nation and a democracy. He said, the ‘Atal Block’ will stand as an enduring symbol of the ties of emotions and values, of affection and aspirations that bind the two countries in a special relationship. Mr Modi said, in the heart of every Indian and Afghan, there is boundless love for each other.
Earlier, Afghanistan President Dr. Ashraf Ghani said, India and Afghanistan enjoy a friendship that dates back to antiquity and have stood by each other in the best and worst of times. He said, currently, as Afghanistan goes through some hard times in it’s history, both the countries remain ever thankful to all the valuable assistance of India.
Earlier, Mr Modi held delegation level talks with Afghanistan President Dr. Ashraf Ghani in Kabul over breakfast. After wrapping up his two-day visit to Russia, Mr. Modi on his way back home reached Kabul this morning. The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome after which he had a meeting with Dr. Ghani at presidential palace.