KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised $50 million in aid for Afghanistan as he began a visit to the country Sunday.
Singh's trip is the first by an Indian prime minister to Afghanistan in almost 30 years.
After a meeting with President Mohammed Karzai, the two leaders held a joint news conference. Singh called terrorism "a serious threat to a civilized existence" and said that a "modern, democratic and prosperous" Afghanistan is essential, the Press Trust of India reported.
"India is ready to work with Afghanistan in this area," said Singh.
The countries signed accords on education, healthcare and agricultural research and announced a package of development aid from India.
Karzai said that regional cooperation is necessary.
"India, Pakistan and Afghanistan need to join hands to work together and strongly for peace of the region," he said.
