PM returns from Kabul

Terming his two-day visit to Kabul as "productive", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India was working hand-in-hand to accelerate the reconstruction tempo of the war-ravaged country and the two sides have identified new areas of co-operation.

"It has been India's privilege to be a partner in the process of economic reconstruction and development," he told reporters on his arrival here at the end of the two-day visit to Afghanistan.

Noting that Afghanistan was emerging from the shadow and after-effects of destruction and war for nearly two decades, Singh said New Delhi's assistance had reached every part of the country covering key areas crucial for development.

"I have come back with great sense of satisfaction that our two countries are working hand-in-hand to accelerate the tempo of social and economic development and strengthen the democratic foundation of the polity of Afghanistan," he said.

He said though India was not a traditional donor country, it had already committed $500 million for Afghanistan's development and yesterday he had announced another $50 million.

"This has been greatly appreciated by the government and the people of Afghanistan,' he said.

Talking about laying the foundation for a new Parliament building being built by India, he said his visit coincided with the elections to that country next month.

Afghanistan was emerging as a democratic foreign polity with commitment to rule of law and open society, Singh said.