Meira for strengthening of India, Afghanistan ties

New Delhi, Jul 14 (PTI) Welcoming a delegation of
Parliamentarians from Afghanistan, Lok Sabha (lower house of
Indian parliament) Speaker Meira Kumar Thursday 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 western Indian city 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.