India and Afghanistan decided to intensify their cooperation, especially in the economic sector as four pacts were signed, including one on cooperation in development of coal and mineral resources and Indian aid for implementation of small development projects in Afghanistan. Addressing a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in New Delhi yeterday, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said, he had a detailed and frank discussion with Mr. Karzai, covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, as well as the challenges confronting the region. Expressing gratitude to India, Mr Karzai said, India has been a generous and frontline supporter in nation building and the re-construction of Afghanistan.
President Pranab Mukherjee has said that India stands beside the Afghan people to strengthen their hands in bringing peace and prosperity to their country. Speaking at the banquet hosted in the honour of President of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai yesterday, Mr. Mukherjee said common values and search for peace have brought the two countries together in a strategic partnership to face the common challenges. He expressed hope that the shared conviction and faith in peace and progress would help them defeat terrorism and Uncertainty.