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Visit of Foreign Secretary to Afghanistan (February 28-29 2020)

February 29, 2020

Foreign Secretary Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Afghanistan on 28-29 February 2020. It was his first visit abroad after taking over as India’s Foreign Secretary one month back and highlights the strategic partnership between the two countries.
During his visit, Foreign Secretary called on President Dr. Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and former President Mr. Hamid Karzai. He also met First Vice President-elect Mr. Amrullah Saleh, NSA Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, Acting Foreign Minister Mr. Mohammad Haroon Chakhansuri and Acting Finance Minister Mr. Abdul Zadran. He separately interacted with a wide cross-section of Afghan leaders from politics, media, civil society and academia.
In his meetings with the Afghan leadership, Foreign Secretary reiterated India's commitment to enhanced political, economic and development partnership between the two neighbours and strategic partners. He reiterated India’s consistent support for an independent, sovereign, democratic, pluralistic and inclusive Afghanistan in which interests of all sections of Afghan society are preserved. He also conveyed India’s support for enduring and inclusive peace and reconciliation which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. He underscored that sustainable peace in Afghanistan requires an end to externally sponsored terrorism.
Foreign Secretary congratulated the people and Government of Afghanistan on the conduct of the fourth presidential elections and the declaration of the final results. Noting the recent developments and hope for peace generated by recent developments, he reiterated the need for all sections of the political leadership to work together in the pursuit of sustainable peace and security for the people of the country.
The leadership of Afghanistan deeply appreciated India’s support for peace, development and prosperity of Afghanistan, including the efforts for regional connectivity such as the operationalisation of Chahbahar Port and establishment of Air Freight Corridors between various cities of India and Afghanistan. Agreements for road projects in Bamyan and Mazar-e-Sharif provinces of Afghanistan with Indian development assistance were signed during the visit. It was agreed to work together for implementation of the New Development Partnership and further expand cooperation in accordance with the Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Kabul
February 29, 2020

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