Foreign Minister Krishna visits Afghanistan

NEW DELHI - External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will begin his two-day visit to Afghanistan from Saturday.

Krishna is visiting Afghanistan at the invitation of Afghanistan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul.

“The visit is part of the regular high level consultations between the two Governments, and is an expression of the friendship and understanding that exists between India and Afghanistan,” a press release from the External Affairs Ministry said.

“As a strategic partner of Afghanistan and a neighbor with civilizational and historical links spanning millennia, India stands steadfast with the Government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts to build a strong, peaceful, democratic, pluralistic and prosperous Afghanistan,” it added.

During the visit, Krishna will hold talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on various issues of bilateral, regional and international significance.

He is also expected to take up the issue of security of Indian diplomatic missions in the country. (ANI)