Modi, Italian PM discuss need for coordinated response on Afghanistan

New Delhi, Aug 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Mario Draghi had a telephone conversation on Friday during which they discussed the need for a coordinated international response to recent developments in Afghanistan.
Mr Modi, in a tweet, said: “Spoke with Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy and discussed the need for a coordinated international response to recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed other important issues such as Climate Change, and our cooperation in G20.”
According to an official statement, the two leaders discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and its implications for the region and the world.
They also strongly condemned the horrific terror attack at the Kabul International Airport yesterday, which killed over 100 people, and emphasised the need to ensure the safe repatriation of stranded people.
During the talk, the two leaders also stressed upon the need for international cooperation, including at the level of the G20, in addressing the humanitarian crisis and long term security concerns arising out of the developments in Afghanistan, said an official statement.
They also discussed other important issues on the G20 agenda, such as Climate Change. In this context, they exchanged views on other forthcoming multilateral engagements too, such as COP-26.
Prime Minister appreciated Italy’s dynamic leadership in productively steering discussions within the G20.
The two leaders agreed to remain in touch on bilateral and global issues, especially on the situation in Afghanistan, the statement said.
The Italian government, in a statement, said that the talk “focused on the developments of the Afghan crisis and its implications at the regional level”.
“The meeting also discussed the collaboration between the two countries in the framework of the Italian Presidency of the G20, as well as the state and prospects for bilateral cooperation.”
Italy holds the current presidency of the G20 and the Summit of Heads of State and Government is scheduled on October 30 and 31.