Narendra Modi inaugurates new Afghan Parliament built by India in Kabul
Kabul: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Afghanistan's new Parliament complex, which has been built by India, in Kabul on Friday.
He also inaugurated the "Atal Block" in the new Parliament building of Afghanistan.
A binding of democracies. PM @narendramodi with Afghan President and the speakers of the two houses of Parliament. pic.twitter.com/BuccvV1k8x
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 25, 2015
Built by India but nurtured by Afghanistan's indomitable faith in its future. PM arrives at the Afghan Parliament pic.twitter.com/WQfl7tic4Q
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 25, 2015
Modi also met Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani at the Presidential Palace.
Earlier, Modi also received a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at the Presidential Palace.
Modi, who arrived early this morning from Moscow after a two-day visit to Russia, will address a joint session of the two Afghan Houses in the new Parliament building along with President Ghani.
"Delighted to be in Kabul among friends. Will meet President @ashrafghani, CEO Abdullah & former President @KarzaiH. Will also inaugurate the new Parliament building of Afghanistan," Prime Minister Modi said in a series of tweets.
The new Parliament building has been constructed by India at a cost of about USD 90 million. The project was started by India in 2007 as a mark of friendship and cooperation to help rebuild Afghanistan after the wars.
The Prime Minister is also expected to meet Afghanistan's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and former president Hamid Karzai.
The Prime Minister's day-long visit, his first to Afghanistan, since taking office - was not officially announced for security reasons.