Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale visited Afghanistan on 27-28 February 2018.
During his visit, Foreign Secretary called on President Ashraf Ghani and handed over a letter from the Prime Minister. Foreign Secretary also called on NSA Atmar, Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani and met Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai.
Foreign Secretary represented India at the second meeting of the Kabul Process on ‘Peace and Security Cooperation’ that was held on 28 February 2018.
In his meetings with the Afghan leadership and Statement at the Kabul Process meeting, Foreign Secretary conveyed India’s continued commitment to enhanced economic and development partnership; and support for efforts of the people and Government of Afghanistan to build a peaceful, stable, secure, prosperous, united inclusive, democratic and pluralistic nation free from the shadow of terrorism. Foreign Secretary conveyed that India welcomed the Afghan Government’s call to armed groups to cease violence and join national peace and reconciliation process that would protect the rights of all Afghans, including the women, children and the minorities. Further, there can be no compromise with terrorism and action must be taken against those who continue down the path of violence and those who finance them and provide safe havens and sanctuaries.
The leadership of Afghanistan deeply appreciated the continued Indian support for peace, development and prosperity of Afghanistan, including the efforts to operationalise Chahbahar Port and establishment of Air Freight Corridors between various cities of India and Afghanistan. It was agreed to work together for implementation of the New Development Partnership.
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