Visit of President of Afghanistan to India October 24, 2017
President of Afghanistan H.E. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani visited India on 24 October at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.
This was President Ghani's fourth visit to India in the last 3 years and 12th personal interaction between the two Leaders.
Detailed discussions were held between the Prime Minister and President Ghani in one on one format, restricted meeting and a working lunch.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to their strategic partnership and positively assessed the outcomes of the recent high level bilateral exchanges, including the visits of Chief Executive H. E. Dr Abdullah Abdullah and Foreign Minister Rabbani to India last month and that of the National Security Adviser of India to Afghanistan last week.
The New Development Partnership that was launched at the meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council on 11 September was assessed as a significant step in building upon the highly successful development cooperation of the past 16 years. The new generation India assisted projects, including in the fields of health, agriculture, drinking water supply, education, renewable energy, infrastructure development, skill development and capacity building, among others will further contribute to Afghanistan's reconstruction, economic development and effective governance.
Deep appreciation was expressed for the bravery with which the Afghan forces were fighting terrorism imposed on Afghanistan. The support extended by India in the defence and security fields, including training of thousands of Afghan defence and security personnel was positively assessed. The Indian side agreed to extend further assistance depending upon the needs of the Afghan defence and police forces.
The Indian leadership reiterated its support for a negotiated political reconciliation in Afghanistan that is Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan controlled. It was emphasised that renunciation of violence and terror; and closure of state sponsored safe havens and sanctuaries were essential for any meaningful progress and lasting peace.
Both sides agreed that the recent convergence and alignment of views at regional and international arenas have created opportunities for bringing peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. It was agreed to further deepen the bilateral strategic dialogue and consultations at all levels in order to achieve the shared objectives.
Issues related to connectivity were discussed in detail. The establishment of the air freight corridor was acknowledged as an important factor in providing Afghan farmers a direct and easy access to the Indian market. The efforts for early operationalisation of the Chahbahar Port, including the shipments of wheat in coming weeks to Afghanistan through the Port was considered as a step that would shape new trade and transit opportunities for landlocked Afghanistan. The Indian side reiterated the readiness of its Integrated Check Post at Attari for receiving Afghan trucks carrying goods to and from India.
Both sides agreed to work closely with the regional and international partners; and consult, coordinate and cooperate in various international fora, with the view to further the objective of seeing Afghanistan emerge as a stable, peaceful, united, progressive, properous and pluralistic nation.
Earlier in the morning, President Ghani met Rashtrapatiji and received EAM.
New Delhi
October 24, 2017 |