Afghstan on Tuesday praised India for its role in defence training with Farid Mamundzay, Afghstan Envoy-designate to India, stating that New Delhi has been his country's most reliable regional partner and the largest regional contributor to development.
Speaking at the reception orgsed at the Afghan embassy here to mark Afghan National Defence and Security Forces Day, he thanked the Indian government for providing defence and security assistance by helping with military hardware and providing "much-needed training opportunities to many of our cadets".
"As the most reliable regional partner and the largest regional contributor to Afghstan's development, I would like to thank the Government of India for providing much-needed defence and security assistance by helping us with military hardware and providing much-needed training opportunities to many of our cadets at the finest Indian military academies along with some of the finest Indian military officers," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Sanjeev Sharma, Director General of Military Intelligence, said that the Indian Army is committed to assist and support the Afghan security forces.
"Afghan National Defence and Security Forces Day commemorates the service of Afghan forces towards the great country. On behalf of the Indian Army, I extend my sincere and heartfelt felicitations to brave officers and soldiers of Afghstan who defend their motherland under extremely challenging and tough conditions," he said.
"India and Afghstan share a very strong relationship. The relationship has its foundation in our historical linkages and people-to-people exchanges. The Indian Army is committed to assist and support the Afghan security forces in all aspects and all domains," he added.
Lt Gen Sharma said cooperation between the two sides has seen extremely productive engagements, especially in the last few years.
"India is keen to see Afghstan as a peaceful, powerful, prosperous and vibrant country. We are highly appreciative of the professionalism of the Afghan armed forces and their contribution in maintaining peace," he said.
Karimullah Karim, Military Attache at Afghstan Embassy, said his country has been facing several security threats and challenges from over 70 externally supported terrorist groups and expressed confidence that the Afghan military forces will efficiently deal with these threats and challenges.
"I can confidently state that our forces have the capability and will overcome current security problems. We would like to thank all our international counterparts and the Indian government for their generous contribution," he said.
Karim said Afghan National Army has independently launched nearly 3000 independent operations and conducted almost 500 air assaults to prevent terrorist attacks.
( With inputs from ANI )
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