President of Afghanistan Karzai, calls on Pranab Mukherjee 

Mr. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (May 21, 2013). The President said India would stand by the Government and the people of Afghanistan in the critical period of transition, development and nation-building. India is proud to partner the Government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts towards reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. The President said we should strengthen and deepen India-Afghanistan relations in all areas as prescribed in the Strategic Partnership Agreement. India is prepared to increase bilateral contribution to institution-building, training and equipment to the extent India can. The Afghan President warmly reciprocated the President’s words and said India is amongst the closest of countries to Afghanistan and according to many surveys the country most liked by the Afghan people. India-Afghan relations stand today on solid cemented grounds. Our relations are greater than any time before.