India asks world to stand by Afghanistan

DUSHANBE (Pajhwok): The international community must stand united in supporting Afghanistan affairs minister has said.

Sushma Swaraj expressed the views on Friday during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit here in the capital of Tajikistan.

On Delhi-Kabul relations, Swaraj said: “India is concerned about the security challenges which may emanate from the developing situation in Afghanistan.”

She added India strongly believes Afghanistan could successfully complete security, political and economic transitions and regain its historical place as a hub of regional trade and transit routes.

“However, at this time of delicate transition, the international community must stand united to support Afghanistan to preserve the progress it has made in the last decade against terrorism,” she stressed.

Referring to her recent Afghanistan’s visit, the minister said she had the privilege of going to Kabul two days ago and having fruitful discussions with President Hamid Karzai.

“Afghanistan aspires to bring peace and prosperity to its people, just like every other SCO country does. India remains committed to assisting Afghanistan in building its capacity for democratic government, security and economic development,” she promised.

She called the SCO an important body that could offer a credible alternative regional platform to discuss the challenges related to Afghanistan, and a strong multilateral force that could be a partner in its progress.

India and Afghanistan are observer states in the SCO comprising China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

rm/mud

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