President Karzai thanked India for hosting the Second Regional Economic Cooperation Conference and showed his appreciation at receiving the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize.  He credited the distinction to the efforts and achievements of the Afghan people in reconstructing their country.

The President added, “We talked extensively about holding regional conferences such as RECC and SARC, as well as India’s assistance to reconstruction in Afghanistan, and the fight against terrorism.  We also exchanged views about ways to expand trade between Afghanistan and India.”

In response to a question about regional security, President Karzai answered, “Afghanistan has been affected by terrorism, violence, and extremism.  We want Pakistan’s further cooperation in ending this violence, so that both Afghanistan and other regional countries can live in peace; instability in Afghanistan will affect security in the entire region.”

Prime Minister Singh noted Afghanistan’s achievements over the last 5 years, saying, “A land which had suffered from three decades of war and violence has now changed into a country where democratic institutions are emerging.”

He went on to add, “The Afghan President and I talked about our countries’ interests and studied the projects which India is funding.  I assured the Afghan President of India’s continuing assistance as a friend country.”  

“Strong relations between India and Afghanistan are not only beneficial for the two countries, but they are effective for regional peace and security.”

“We also talked about the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference.  This conference is not only important for Afghanistan, but it is significant for all regional countries.  Such conferences are the best way for developing countries, such as India and Afghanistan, to advance and enables them to face the challenges of globalization.”