Fight against terror dominates Manmohan, Karzai Delhi talks

The fight against terrorism and extremism topped the agenda of talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai as the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues ahead of the SAARC summit.

The fight against terrorism and extremism topped the agenda of talks on Monday between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai as the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues ahead of the SAARC summit.

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"India remains committed to assist the people of Afghanistan.We discussed the issue of terrorism which threatens our region," Singh said after talks with Karzai in New Delhi.

Karzai, who is on a two-day visit before going to Bhutan to attend the SAARC summit beginning April 28, said he and Singh discussed the situation in Afghanistan and "our common struggle against terrorism and extremism."

"We discussed the upcoming Afghanistan Peace Consultations which should comprise people of Afghanistan, those from all walks of life to advise on how to move forward for reintegration and reconciliation of those elements of Taliban and others who have accepted the Constitution or not part of the Al-Qaeda or any terrorist network," Karzai said.

The Afghan President said he requested Singh to send representatives to the follow-up to the London conference in Kabul later this year besides discussing a host of issues of mutual significance.

He also conveyed his gratitude to India for helping in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Singh said, "I had an extremely productive discussion with Karzai and discussed a whole range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. I look forward to working with Karzai"