Modi, Ghani inaugurate new Parliament building in Kabul

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the new structure to stand as a symbol of ties between the two nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Friday inaugurated the newly-built Afghan Parliament building in Kabul.

The new Parliament building in Afghanistan will stand as a symbol of ties between India and Afghanistan, Modi said after the inauguration ceremony.

"It will stand as an enduring symbol of the ties of emotions and values, of affection and aspirations that bind us in a special relationship," the PM said.

"The great Afghan people waged an epic struggle of courage and resolve to shape their future with vote and debate and not gun and violence."

Modi said he stands on behalf of "1.25 billion friends in India in admiration for your achievements and in gratitude for your friendship."

He said that the day was special as it was former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birthday, adding he was "deeply touched" that a block in the new building was named 'Atal block'.

Earlier, Khaama press reported that Ghani and Modi toured the Parliament building, including the main session hall in the presence of guests, including members of the Afghan Parliament.