Indian envoy in Afghanistan meets Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, deliberates importance of strengthening regional consensus

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Mohammad Haneef Atmar met with Vinay Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Kabul, on Monday afternoon wherein the two sides deliberated importance of further strengthening regional consensuses on the Afghan peace process.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghstan, Mohammad Haneef Atmar met with Vinay Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Kabul, on Monday afternoon wherein the two sides deliberated importance of further strengthening regional consensuses on the Afghan peace process.

"Minister Atmar and Ambassador Kumar reflected on the importance of the ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban during Eid and saw it as a positive step towards establishing lasting peace in the country," a release from Afghstan Foreign Affairs said.

It stated that both sides then deliberated on important issues such as the upcoming Consultative Loya Jirga, the importance of further strengthening regional consensus on the Afghan peace process, the need for an immediate start of negotiations between Government of Islamic Republic of Afghstan and Indian assistance to Afghstan to aid in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In closing, Ambassador Kumar reiterated the Indian government's continued commitment to Afghstan. Minister Atmar expressed appreciation for Indian support and reiterated the commitment of the Afghan government towards further expanding and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations," the release said.

Afghstan President Ashraf Gh on Monday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the timely supply of food and medical assistance to meet the requirement in Afghstan.During their telephonic conversation, PM Modi also reiterated India's commitment to the people of Afghstan in their quest for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Afghstan, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Monday.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the evolving security situation in the region and other areas of mutual bilateral interest.

Both leaders also exchanged greetings on Eid-Al-Adha.

( With inputs from ANI )