Heart of Asia conference: Sushma Swaraj calls on Afghan Presient Ashraf Ghani, meets Kyrgyz, Iranian counterparts

ISLAMABAD: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today called on Afghan President Ashraf Ghani here and discussed connectivity, terror threats to the war-torn country and the peace and reconciliation process there.

Swaraj, who was accompanied by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and India's envoys to Pakistan and Afghanistan, met Ghani for nearly 30 minutes on the sidelines of the ' Heart of Asia' Conference, during which they also talked about India's willingness to join Afghanistan-Pakistan trade and transit agreement.

"A Strong Bond of Friendship. EAM Sushma Swaraj calls on President Ashraf Ghani for a bilateral on sidelines of HoA," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a picture of the two leaders.

"They reviewed bilateral ties including transit. Discussed terror threat in Afghanistan and status of peace and reconciliation process," he said.

Earlier, while speaking at the Heart of Asia Conference, Swaraj expressed India's willingness to help Afghanistan in shoring up its defence capability.

She also said India's vision of the Istanbul process is one of interlinked trade, transit, energy and communication routes, with Afghanistan as an important hub.

Swaraj also met her counterparts from Kyrgyzstan and Iran.

"Strengthening a Continuing Development Partnership: EAM Sushma Swaraj meets with Kyrgyzstan FM Erlan Abdyldaev," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a picture of the two ministers at the meeting.

Swaraj and Abdyldaev discussed key bilateral issues and ways to enhance cooperation.

She also met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.

"Advancing a Significant Partnership. EAM Sushma Swaraj meets with Iranian FM Javad Zarif on sidelines of HoA," Swarup tweeted.