New Delhi, 09 July (H.S.):

India and Afghanistan on Thursday reviewed the full spectrum of their bilateral relationship, with a strong emphasis on continuing humanitarian assistance, development partnership, food security, healthcare, education, trade, and connectivity initiatives. Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue and close engagement.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the fourth meeting of the India-Afghanistan Joint Committee was held in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting was co-chaired by M. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary heading the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran (PAI) Division in India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Shuaib Barayalai, Director General of the First Political Division at Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations, including humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, food security, healthcare services, capacity building, education, sports, trade, visa-related matters, and regional connectivity.

The Indian side reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting the welfare and developmental needs of the Afghan people. The Afghan delegation expressed its appreciation for India's sustained assistance and cooperation across various sectors.

Both countries underscored the importance of maintaining regular consultations and agreed to remain in close contact to further strengthen bilateral engagement. They also decided that the next meeting of the India-Afghanistan Joint Committee will be held at a mutually convenient time.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar