Hope Heart of Asia will approve, adopt Regional Counterterrorism Framework: Afghanistan

Describing terrorism as a constant threat, especially to India and Afghanistan, which is a creation of this region, Afghanistan Ambassador to India Dr. Shaida Abdali on Wednesday said Kabul expects the Heart of Asia will approve and adopt the Regional Counterterrorism Framework drafted by Afghanistan.

Giving Afghanistan's perspective on the upcoming Sixth Heart of Asia Afghanistan Conference in Amritsar, Abdali said, "Unless we take a collective measure to fight terrorism; to fight the breeding ground of terrorism; and the safe sanctuaries; we will not be able to bring peace and stability either in Afghanistan or any other nation in the region, mainly in India."

"Terrorism is the greatest threat of this region and to this end we expect the heart of Asia to approve the Regional Counterterrorism Framework that has been drafted by Afghanistan and has been circulated by counterterrorism CBM countries in Kabul and we hope the upcoming Heart of Asia summit will adopt the counterterrorism framework," he added.

Stating that terrorism is a creation of this region, the Afghanistan envoy observed the the solution also lies within the region. "Therefore, the upcoming Heart of Asia is very well-timed and very well placed to discuss how you should find a solution to the theme that we have already put forward 'Addressing Challenges and Achieve Prosperity' .

Expressing condolences for the tragic terror attack in Nagrota, he said, "I express my heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India for the tragic terror attack on an army base that caused loss of seven brave Indian soldiers. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms."

At the conference, ministers from as many as 40 countries will discuss peace, cooperation and economic development in Afghanistan.

MEA Joint Secretary Gopal Bagley said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will inaugurate the conference.

He said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will co-chair the conference, instead of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is unwell.