PM Modi and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah discuss ways to enhance cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Executive of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday discussed ways to enhance bilateral economic and development cooperation between the two nations.

Dr. Abdullah arrived in New Delhi today to hold talks with the Indian leadership and to inaugurate the India-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Show with Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Dr. Abdullah, who is in India on a two-day working visit.

Both leaders reaffirmed the strength and closeness of the multifaceted strategic partnership between India and Afghanistan.

They welcomed the accelerated cooperation, including through the recent announcement of a New Development Partnership during the meeting of the bilateral Strategic Partnership Council in New Delhi.

Dr. Abdullah conveyed Afghanistan's deep appreciation for India's continuing support for infrastructure development and capacity building in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Modi also reiterated India's commitment to extend full support to Afghanistan's efforts for building a peaceful, united, prosperous, inclusive and democratic nation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development was exchanged in the presence of the two leaders at the conclusion of the meeting.

Prime Minister Modi deeply appreciated the mosaic portrait prepared by an Afghan master craftsman, which was presented to him by Dr. Abdullah.

Dr. Abdullah earlier in the day held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj to build upon multifaceted bilateral cooperation.

Talks between the governments of Afghanistan, India and the United States have increased after President Donald Trump announced Washington's latest strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia.