Welcome China talking to Taliban, says Afghan CEO Abdullah

Sonipat (Haryana), March 16 (IANS) Afghanistan’s CEO Abdullah Abdullah said on Sunday that his government is for talks with the Taliban to bring duracble peace to his country and also welcomed China’s role in facilitating the negotiations.

Delivering the Distinguished Jindal Global Lecture hosted by O.P. Jindal Global University at its Sonipat campus, Abdullah said: "We are for reconciliation (with the Taliban) but in a dignified manner to bring about peace which is durable."

On China’s role in facilitating the negotiations with the Taliban, he said "support from China is welcome, but the talks have to be Afghan-led and inclusive", he said on the topic, "The Future of Afghanistan-India Relations", according to a press release from Jindal University.

On Afghanistan-India relations, Abdullah said: "The two countries have long standing relations which are not just government to government but people to people relations. There is great cultural affinity, mutual respect and civilisational commonality. Post 2001 India has emerged as the fifth biggest donor with a multi-dimensional role. I thank India for helping us when we were in dire crisis."

He added that "Afghanistan is like a bridge between energy-rich Central Asia and fast industrializing India. With improved connectivity, if the SAARC countries can attain consensus and overcome negativity, India will benefit immensely from its closeness with Afghanistan".

On the future of the relations between the two countries and India’s contributions in specific areas, Abdullah said: "There is no limit on what India can do for Afghanistan, strategically India is welcome to contribute in all areas, including education, human capacity building and in the security sector."

He also emphasized on the need for Indian assistance in the field of education in Afghanistan.

The lecture was attended by diplomats, scholars, faculty members, media and students as well as an Afghan delegation.