India on Wednesday extended a hand of friendship to Pakistan, saying it was time the two countries displayed ‘maturity and self-confidence’ to do business with each other as the world was ‘rooting for change’.
Speaking at ‘Heart of Asia’ ministerial conference in Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asked the international community to ensure that the forces of terrorism and extremism do not find sanctuaries and safe havens in “any name, form or manifestation.”
“Let me take this opportunity to extend our hand to Pakistan as well. It is time that we display the maturity and self-confidence to do business with each other and strengthen regional trade and cooperation. The entire world is waiting and rooting for a change. Let us not disappoint them.”
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Ms. Swaraj said India was ready to work with the Afghan government to strengthen its defensive capability.
“Terrorists have made concerted efforts to capture and hold territory, reminding us that they have not changed. We salute the Afghan National Security Forces and the Afghan people for countering the forces of terrorism and extremism with courage and resilience,” she said.
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