Meira for strengthening of India, Afghanistan ties

Welcoming a delegation of Parliamentarians from Afghanistan, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today emphasised on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in fields like infrastructure, education and health and in the fight against terrorism. Kumar met the Afghan delegation, led by Abdul Raouf Ibrahimi, President of its National Assembly, in the Parliament and discussed issues of bilateral interest. "She lauded the warm and friendly relations between India and Afghanistan and said that bilateral relations between the two countries need to be further strengthened in the context of the existing global scenario," the Lok Sabha secretariat said in a statement. Kumar stressed on the need to strengthen cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including infrastructure, education, health, while highlighting the significance of healthy relations between the two nations. She assured the visiting delegation that India would continue to extend support in capacity-building in the Afghan Parliament. She also praised the efforts made by the Afghan government in consolidating the democratic process in Afghanistan. Kumar expressed her condolences at the death of Ahmed Wali Karzai, brother of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. She also underlined the urgent need for a joint strategy to counter the menace of terrorism. Ibrahimi condoled the death of innocent civilians in the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai. The Lok Sabha Speaker also referred to the economic engagement between the two countries and said the trade ties between them should be diversified and cooperation in areas where India has cutting-edge experience and expertise should be promoted. Ibrahimi thanked India for assistance in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.