Trade to define Indo-Afghan relations, says Esar

KABUL says its future relations with India will be defined by enhanced cooperation in the area of trade and transit.

Deputy Foreign Minister Naheed Esar, stressing greater trade relations between the two countries, said India and Afghanistan enjoyed strong historical and cultural bonds.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the Afghan Consulate in the Indian City of Hyderabad on Wednesday, she hoped: “This will serve Afghans and provide links between business communities,”

The Hindu quoted her as saying: “We are opening this Consulate in Hyderabad at an important juncture in history, where Afghanistan is striving for a self-reliant economy.”

She added Afghanistan was trying to end its heavy reliance on international aid by enhancing trade and wooing foreign investments.

“Our economic-driven foreign policy is motivated by business opportunities. We strongly believe that trade and transit will define our future,” the visiting minister added.

PAN Monitor/mud