国际英语新闻:India, Afghanistan agree to bolster security cooperation

NEW DELHI, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- India and Afghanistan Monday inked four pacts and agreed to strengthen security cooperation as Foreign Ministers of both countries held extensive talks at the second Indo-Afghan Strategic Partnership Council meeting here.

The four pacts, signed in presence of Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, included a motor vehicles agreement and a fresh document on India's development assistance.

Addressing a press conference the Indian minister said the two countries agreed to embark on a new development partnership, with 116 joint projects expected to bring about socio-economic and infrastructure development to the suburban and rural communities in Afghanistan.

She said the two sides also discussed measures for enhancing trade and investment cooperation. The India-Afghanistan trade and investment show in New Delhi on Sept. 27-30 will bring businesses together. India has also liberalised visa, especially for Afghan businessmen.

Rabbani said that India has agreed to provide assistance to Afghanistan's national defense forces.