Afghanistan’s Minister for Public Health Noor Jalal Jalali reached the Indian capital of New Delhi on an official visit, the country’s health ministry said.
The visit marks the third by an Afghan official in the last three months, after Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Industry Minister Nooruddin Azizi visited New Delhi.
“The multi-day visit aims to strengthen bilateral health cooperation, promote the exchange of experience, and coordinate joint efforts,” said the Afghan health ministry.
According to the statement, Jalali is to hold separate meetings with Indian officials, particularly health authorities, and take part in several organised programmes.
“Discussions will also focus on capacity-building opportunities for Afghan health workers, the import of quality medicines into Afghanistan, medical equipment, and other related issues,” it said.
The visit comes after the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan barred the traders from importing pharmaceutical goods from Pakistan.
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed the visit and extended a warm welcome to the Afghan delegation.
“The visit reflects India’s enduring support for Afghanistan’s healthcare system, and we look forward to productive discussions,” he said.
As Kabul’s relations with Islamabad deteriorated, the Taliban regime has sought closer ties with New Delhi.
The main issue between Islamabad and Kabul remains cross-border terrorism, with numerous attacks originating from Afghanistan and targeting security forces in Pakistan.
