WASHINGTON (PAN, US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the two countries had common goals in the war-hit country.
“We both have a shared interest in making sure that Afghanistan continues on its path to a peaceful, democratic country,” Obama told reporters at a joint media availability with Singh at the White House.
Both countries shared an interest in making sure that they helped Afghans stand up for the rights of all groups and that the rights of women and minority groups were protected, the president said.
After an hour-long meeting with the visiting Indian leader, he stressed the upcoming election must happen in a way that maintained and continued to strengthen stability in the troubled country.
In a joint statement, the two leaders said they reflected on the important strategic partnerships the US and India had formed with Afghanistan. Obama and Singh reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a smooth security and political transition.
“The leaders recognised that violent extremists continue to pose challenges to Afghanistan’s security and stability and, in this context, emphasized the need for coordinated international support to help build the capacity of Afghan National Defence and Security Forces,” the joint statement said.
Obama and Singh promised both India and the US would remain committed to contribute to peace, stability and development in Afghanistan during the critical transformation decade (2015-2024).
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