NEW DELHI: US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West praised India for helping the people of Afghanistan with humanitarian assistance while stating that the US will continue to partner with India in Afghanistan.
West held talks on security and political stability in Afghanistan with JP Singh, joint secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs and several other Indian officials on Wednesday.
Speaking on India’s contribution to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, West in a tweet said, “India is providing critical humanitarian aid, has interests to protect, brings enormous capability and experience to supporting Afghan people. We’ll continue to partner with India and others in the region to advance shared goals.”
During his stay in New Delhi, the US special envoy called on Dr Abdullah Abdullah, former chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation and former foreign minister of Afghanistan, who is in India to meet his family.
West appreciated the Taliban’s decision of letting Dr Abdullah visit India to reunite with his family in New Delhi.
Dr Abdullah and the US Special Representative discussed human rights issues, women’s participation and security related issues.
In a tweet on Thursday, West said, “A real pleasure to see Afghan leader @DrabdullahCE today after many months. Welcome Taliban’s good decision to let him see family and return. Discussed issues critical to Afghanistan’s future and relations with int’l community: need for political process, human rights abuses, women’s essential role in society, humanitarian situation, and terrorism threats.”
West further said that he would continue dialogue with other Afghan leaders and thinkers.
West also condemned the cowardly terrorist attacks in Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul which took at least 11 Afghan lives and expressed condolences to the families of victims.