New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured Afghanistan’s top peace negotiator Dr Abdullah Abdullah of India’s continued support to the Afghan peace process and long-term commitment to further deepening historic ties between the two countries in keeping with New Delhi’s Neighbourhood First Policy.
Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan’s chief negotiator with the Taliban and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), called on the Prime Minister here on Thursday and apprised him of the latest developments in the Afghan peace process.
The Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment towards sustainable peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and welcomed efforts towards a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in the war-ravaged country.
The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral and regional interest. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah briefed the Prime Minster on the Afghan peace process and the ongoing talks in Doha. ‘’Bilateral issues, including India's development cooperation with Afghanistan, were discussed’’, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.
Dr Abdullah Abdullah appreciated India’s developmental commitment of 3 billion US Dollar projects which, he said, are benefiting Afghans in all 34 provinces.
‘’Pleased to meet HE Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Republic of India. In our friendly discussion we took stock of the latest developments on the Afghan peace process, the talks in Doha and India’s support for the peace efforts. The Prime Minister assured me of India’s continued support for the peace process and Afghanistan. I thanked him and the people of India for the invitation and generous hospitality. I also thanked India for its principled position on the Afghanistan peace process,’’ Dr Abdullah Abdullah said after the meeting with the Prime Minister.
The Afghanistan leader who arrived here on October 6 on five-day official visit to India, also had talks with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday and apprised him of the progress on the Afghanistan peace process.
The NSA conveyed to him India’s support for an independent, democratic, sovereign and peaceful Afghanistan where no terrorists can operate.
Mr Doval also assured Dr Abdullah Abdullah of India’s full support for the Afghan peace efforts and any peace settlement acceptable to Afghans.
‘’Had a constructive discussion with HE Ajit Doval, the NSA of India. We discussed the Afghan peace process and the talks in Doha. He assured me of India’s full support for the peace efforts, & that any peace settlement acceptable to Afghans, will have the support of India. He (Mr Doval) further stated that India is in favour of an independent, democratic, sovereign and peaceful Afghanistan where no terrorists can operate,’’ Dr Abdullah Abdullah said.
He will meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday and discuss with him bilateral, regional and international issues.
This is his first visit to India as HCNR Chairman. He is the second top Afghan leader to visit India during the past few weeks. Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum visited India last month and met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
UNI RB SHK1804