Afghan Ambassador to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali on Saturday said that Indo-Afghan relations had been cordial for ages due to the direct contacts between the peoples of the two countries. While talking to The Pioneer, Abdali said, “Afghanistan is the only neighbour of India whose relations have never soured and it is because of the peoples of both the countries. There is a direct connection between the peoples of these neighbouring countries and this has helped the relations to remain on good terms since ages.”
Abdali said that Governments come and go, but it was the people who played the most important role in maintaining this relationship. “This is why I always believe that a flourishing Indo-Afghan relationship has been due to this peoples’ connection. Now, the Governments should make provisions to convert this connection into good bilateral ties by increasing business contacts, starting educational exchange programmes and hospitality,” Abdali said.
He said that Bhopal city was very similar to the Khost city of Afghanistan that was renowned for its Shaikh Zayed University. Bhopal was also having a university in the name of Barkatullah Bhopali. Bhopal and Khost should start student exchange programmes so that the young generations of both the cities and countries would know each other’s traditions and ensure better understanding.
He said he came to know that a substantial population in the State has Afghan connection and he was proud that the city, Bhopal, was founded by one Afghani, Dost Mohammed Khan, and thousands of city dwellers have had Afghan ancestors. “I call on the local Afghani community in Bhopal and other parts of India to help strengthen the relationship of the two countries,” the Afghan Ambassador said. He was all praise for the scenic beauty of Bhopal and said that it was one of the most beautiful cities he has visited in the world.