Afghan president Hamid Karzai to visit India on May 20-22

Afghan government has sought greater cooperation from its neighbour India in the field of defence

In the wake of the impending withdrawal of the NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2014, the Afghan government today sought greater cooperation from its neighbour India in the field of defence. The issue is expected to be taken up Afghan President Hamid Karzai who is expected to visit India on May 20-22.

During his visit here, Karzai is expected to meet Indian leadership of what the country’s focus will be in terms of strengthening its security in the war-ravaged country when forces pull out from there, Afghanistan Ambassador to India Shaida M Abdali told reporters here.    

The two sides will discuss a range of issues of mutual concern and interest and will discuss cooperation at a "critical time" for Afghanistan, which is witnessing the withdrawal of NATO combat troops, the envoy said.

The attempt will also be to think ahead with a shared vision, to meet the common challenges and achieve the common goals, Abdali said, adding "It is a critical time for all of us and we need to do more than what we are doing right now."     

The Afghan envoy also welcomed the recent commitment of upgrading strategically important Chabahar port in Iran which would help India get access to the land-locked and resource- rich countries. An estimated $100 million is required for the modernisation of the port.     

According to European Union Special Representative for Afghanistan Vygaudas Ušackas who is presently visiting India also sought Indian government’s active cooperation in the development of the country.

Ušackas said that the EU is committed to long-term association with the development of the region, that became centre of US’ ‘War on Terrorism’ after the attack on the World Trade Centre there in September 11, 2001.

EU and its member states are supporting the development of Afghanistan with a contribution of more than euros 1.2 billion every year.