Ensure ‘verifiable actions’ to end terror safe havens in Afghanistan: India
“For sustainable peace, prosperity and stability it is equally important that the international community continue to support the Afghan government, the people and the National Defence Forces of Afghanistan to combat terror and violence imposed on them and ensure that verifiable actions are taken to end safe havens and sanctuaries outside Afghanistan,” said VK Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, in a veiled attack on Pakistan on Wednesday.
Singh further said that India supports all efforts for a political settlement in Afghanistan which are inclusive, promote unity, security, democracy and build a self-reliant and prosperous country. Condemning the “mindless terrorist violence” against the Afghan population, Singh said the people of Afghanistan yearn for peace, security and stability.
He was participating in the Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan in Geneva to evaluate and strategise on developmental policy achievements during the “transformation decade” (2015-24) for the war-torn country.
Partnering in Afghanistan’s efforts for #peace & #prosperity
Represented India at the #GenevaConference on #Afghanistan being held on Nov. 27-28. On the sidelines of the conference, called on the President of Afghanistan @ashrafghani & also met Dr.Abdullah. #GVAAfghanistan2018 pic.twitter.com/cst5kU4yuQ
— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) November 28, 2018
Singh also reaffirmed India’s commitment to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan. He also reiterated India’s development assistance commitment of over USD 3 billion to Afghanistan in keeping with Kabul’s priorities under its National Peace and Development Framework.
At the conclusion of the conference, the Geneva Communique entitled ‘Securing Afghanistan’s Future: Peace, Self-Reliance and Connectivity’ along with the Geneva Mutual Accountability Framework document on deliverables was also adopted.
On Tuesday, the External Affair Minister had also participated in the high-level closed door dinner on ‘Peace in Afghanistan’ jointly organised by the Afghan government and the UN.
