India will stand by Afghanistan: PM
May 12th, 2011 - 3:55 pm ICT by IANS
Kabul, May 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who is on a two-day visit to Afghanistan Thursday said India will stand by Afghanistan “through thick and thin”.
The prime minister was welcomed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai in the main courtyard of the presidential palace complex.
“This is a tremendous honour for the Afghan people to welcome his excellency Manmohan Singh to his second home,” Karzai told the Indian prime minister.
Manmohan Singh responded: “It is always a great honour and privilege to visit you. It is an honour for the entire people of India. India and Afghanistan are partners in progress. We will stand by you through thick and thin and reaffirm our solidarity with the people and government of Afghanistan.”
The ceremonial guard of honour was given by the uniformed members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan Air Force and the police. After the guard of honour, Karzai introduced the senior members of his government to the visiting leader.
Manmohan Singh also introduced members of his delegation to the Afghan president.
During the ceremonial welcome, the band played the national anthems of India and Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is accompanied by National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, Special Envoy on Afghanistan S.K. Lamba and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.
He reached the Kabul airport at 11.30 a.m. where he was greeted by the Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rasoul, Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak and Kabul Mayor Mohammad Yunus Nawandish.
From the airport Manmohan Singh went straight to the presidential palace in a chopper.
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