Amarinder assures Karzai of Punjab's support to Afghanistan

Visiting former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai called on Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Thursday during which the latter assured him of greater strategic support and cooperation to the war-torn nation.

According to an official release issued here, Amarinder Singh conveyed this to Karzai when the latter paid a visit to him at the chief minister's official residence for a breakfast meeting.

Karzai thanked the chief minister for inviting him as the chief guest to the Kisan Mela being held at the Punjab Agricultural University, the release said.

Afghanistan and Punjab share close cultural ties and could benefit through mutual cooperation and exchange of technical knowhow in the fields of agriculture and horticulture, the release quoted Karzai as having said.

The visiting dignitary called for further cementing the traditional bonds of peace and brotherhood between Afghanistan and India, and Punjab in particular.

As per the release, Amarinder Singh said since Afghanistan and India shared warm and friendly historical relations, Punjab would be happy to provide all possible assistance in the development of Afghanistan.

The chief minister, who presented Karzai with a set of books authored by him and a shawl as token of love and affection, also invited him to visit Patiala on his next visit to see the rich heritage of the historic city.

The former Afghanistan President was accompanied by ex-Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osmani, his Education and Cultural Adviser Zalmani Hewadmai and Gautam Sabharwal.