New Delhi, August 29
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today described his two-day visit to Afghanistan as “productive” saying India was working hand in hand to accelerate the reconstruction tempo of the war-ravaged country.
“It has been India’s privilege to be a partner in the process of economic reconstruction and development of that country,” he said on his arrival here.
Noting that Afghanistan was emerging from the shadow and aftereffects of destruction and war for nearly two decades, he said New Delhi’s assistance has reached every part of the country covering key areas crucial for development.
“I have come back with great sense of satisfaction that our countries are working hand in hand to accelerate the tempo of social and economic development and strengthening the democratic foundation of the polity of Afghanistan,” he said.
Though India was not a traditional donor country, it has 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.
Afghanistan was emerging as a democratic foreign polity with commitment to rule of law and open society, he observed.
