NEW DELHI – The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar met with a number of former Indian ambassadors to Kabul to discuss the peace process and strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan.

During the meeting, Mr. Atmar spoke about the outcomes of Extended Troika Peace Talks in Moscow and commended the growing regional and international efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan.

Highlighting India's critical role in regional peace-building efforts and engagements, the Foreign Minister stressed that sustainable peace in Afghanistan could be achieved only through a political settlement emanating from the will of Afghans and broadly supported by regional countries and the international community.

Mr. Atmar also emphasized that preserving the last twenty years' achievements, especially pluralism, civil and political rights, and democratic structures, including elections, were the essential prerequisites for achieving a nationally accepted settlement leading to sustainable peace in Afghanistan.

Confirming Mr. Atmar's remarks, the former Indian ambassadors to Kabul noted that India, as one of the great supporters of Afghanistan's reconstruction and prosperity, has consistently emphasized preserving democratic values within the framework of a republic system in Afghanistan.