Ahead of US-Taliban deal, Shringla meets Afghan leadership including President Ghani

Kabul [Afghstan], Feb 29 : Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday met with President Ashraf Gh and other political leaders of Kabul ahead of the signing of US-Taliban agreement on the withdrawal of Americal troops from Afghstan.

During his meeting with Gh, Shringla handed over a congratulatory letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Afghan leader's victory in the presidential election. The President appreciated India's consistent support for democracy and constitutional order in Afghstan.

Besides Gh, Shringla also met Afghstan CEO Abdullah Abdullah, first Vice President-elect Amrullah Saleh and NSA Hamdullah Mohib. Shringla reached Afghstan on Friday on his maiden trip abroad as foreign secretary.

During the meetings, Shringla reiterated India's support for Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process which results in enduring and inclusive peace and reconciliation in Afghstan.

"Foreign Secretary @HarshShringla called on President @AshrafGh and handed over a congratulatory letter from PM @narendramodi. President appreciated India's consistent support for democracy and constitutional order in Afghstan," tweeted External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

"India stands with Afghstan for strengthening national unity, territorial integrity, democracy, plurality and prosperity in the country and bringing an end to externally sponsored terrorism," he added.

The meetings come ahead of the US-Taliban deal, which has been under negotiation for almost 18 months between the two sides and is expected to be signed in Doha on Saturday.

On the same day, the US and Afghstan are expected to issue a joint declaration to emphasise American commitments to the war-torn country.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will witness the ceremony and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg are expected to be in Kabul for the announcement of the declaration in the weekend.

( With inputs from ANI )