Monitoring Desk
KABUL: A victim of terrorism, Afghanistan continues to be at the forefront of the fight against the scourge, Chief executive Officer (CEO Abdullah Abdullah said on Thursday.
Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi, Abdullah commended India for its generosity in building infrastructure, opening trade routes and promoting education in his country.
“This is why India is a rising world power, not just an emerging regional economy,” remarked Abdullah, characterising the foundation for Kabul-Delhi relations as strong and permanent.
Any distinction between good and bad terrorists would have catastrophic consequences, the CEO warned. He said Afghanistan was faced with terrorist attacks and attempts by dark forces threatened its national fabric and identity. In Afghanistan, Shia and Sunni sects lived in harmony, as they understood their survival was linked to unity, he added.
“Our elections have been challenging but we hope for much better polls by 2019, awareness of people about their rights and women’s participation,” the chief executive continued.
Under mounting pressure, the Taliban had resorted to attacks on cities, he said, Referring to the new US strategy, he believed the impact would be felt when Afghanistan’s neighbours cooperated honestly.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the summit India’s success in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) elections reflected its position among the nations.
“Two years ago when I came to the HT Summit the theme was towards a brighter India. Now, we are talking about the rise of irreversible India. This is the change in India’s thought…”
Abdullah flies to Moscow for SCO council’s meeting: Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday left Kabul for Russia, his office said.
The CEO would attend the 16th meeting of the council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Sochi, Russia.
Abdullah would speak on regional cooperation in areas of trade, counter-terrorism and peace, a statement from the CEO office said.
On the sidelines of the event, he will meet prime ministers of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the SCO secretary-general.
The CEO will also hold talks with representatives from Iran, Belarus, Turkey, Azerbaijan and the United Nations.
