India, Afghanistan to hold regular foreign office consultations

New Delhi, June 30 (UNI) India and Afghanistan have agreed to hold regular Foreign Office Consultations while New Delhi has reaffirmed commitment to the goal of a democratic and stable Afghanistan and for extending all assistance for its economic reconstruction.

The two countries held extensive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and international situation of mutual concern.

Afghanistan Foreign Minister Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta who arrived here yesterday on a three-day official visit, called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last night.

He also held discussions with Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma and Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran. Mr Sharma hosted a lunch in his honour.

Dr Spanta conveyed his personal condolences on the recent attacks on Indians in Afghanistan. He also thanked the Prime Minister for the supportive role played by India for Afghanistan's entry into the SAARC.

Dr Spanta briefed the Indian leadership on his recent visits alongwith Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai to the SCO and CICA Summits as well as to Beijing and also US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice's visit to Kabul.

He told the Indian leadership that President Karzai looked forward to visiting India in November for the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan.

The Foreign Secretary will visit Kabul in the near future for which dates will be worked out.

This is the Afghan Foreign Minister's first visit to India after assuming office on April 20. He was earlier Advisor to President Karzai on International Affairs from January 2005 to April this year when he took over as Foreign Minister succeeding Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

India is one of the major contributors to Afghanistan's development.

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