Indian ambassador hails new US strategy as effective

AVA- A statement from National Security Council said National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar met Indian Ambassador Manpreet Vohra late on Saturday.

Both sides discussed the importance of political, security and economic cooperation between the two countries. Vohra said efforts were underway to improve friendly relations between Afghanistan and India.

The strategic partnership could be extended and strengthened as a result of burgeoning bilateral cooperation, he hoped. He informed the NSA about the decisions and developments during the last visit of the Afghan delegation to India.

Representatives were appointed by the two countries to oversee the implementation of decisions and commitments made during the visit.

Vohra welcomed the new US strategy as significant for Afghanistan and South Asia. With the implementation of the strategy, a new chapter of cooperation would be opened in the region, he remarked.

He asked the regional countries to forge ideological unity in the fight against terrorism.

Atmar hailed India as a trusted ally of Afghanistan, thanking New Delhi for inviting the Afghan delegation. The Afghans would step-up efforts for the implementation of strategic commitments between the two countries. He acknowledged India’s military cooperation was significant for Afghanistan.

Last week, during a visit to India, a delegation led by Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani discussed political and military cooperation with Indian leaders.