PM Narendra Modi Addresses Afghan Parliament: Highlights

Kabul: PM Narendra Modi addressed a joint session of the two Afghan Houses in the new Parliament building along with President Ghani.

Here are the highlights

• Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that gives flowers, not thunder
• Afghanistan is a land where legends are born- of poetry and beauty,of valour and honour, of pride and generosity
• Great Afghan people waged an epic struggle of courage and resolve to shape their future with vote and debate not gun and violence
• A country with an abiding faith in the tradition of Jirga (tribal council) has chosen democracy, against challenges that would have defeated a lesser people
• I salute the countless Afghans who have sacrificed their lives, the leaders and the MPs for the democracy in the country
• Today, I am humbled and honoured to join President Ashraf Ghani and all the MPs to dedicate this new abode of democracy to the Afghan nation
• I stand on behalf of 1.25 billion friends in India in admiration for your achievements in gratitude for your friendship
• We could not have chosen a more special day than the birthday of former PM Vajpayeeji who dreamt of this project with Karzai Saheb
• We are deeply touched that you have chosen to name one of the wings in this building Atal Block
• This Parliament Complex is a small tribute to your progress as a nation and a democracy
• It will stand as an enduring symbol of the ties of emotions and values, of affection & aspirations that bind us in a special relationship
• In the heart of every Indian and Afghan, there is boundless love for each other
• It will stand as an enduring symbol of the ties of emotions and values, of affection & aspirations that bind us in a special relationship
• When you began a new journey in a new century, we were proud to stand with you and walk with you
• Our partnership helped rural communities get schools, minor irrigation, health centres, welfare for children & opportunities for women
• Together we have built roads that have brought regions closer; power transmission lines and power stations that light up Afghan homes
• Over the mighty Hindu Kush and through the forbidding Khyber Pass, our ties as ancient as history
• Always place for cricket! I am delighted that Afghan Team has found its home ground near Delhi; is practicing for next year's World Cup
• Power and water will flow out of Salma Dam soon. The Stor Palace will again stand as a symbol of your priceless heritage
• Today, I announce 500 scholarships for children of the martyrs of Afghan security forces while scheme of 1000 scholarships will continue
• We are pleased that our scholarships & training programmes are empowering Afghan youth with modern education and professional skills
• To every Afghan, who risked or lost his life so that his Indian guest is safe, I convey the eternal gratefulness of India
• Despite those who did not want us to be here, we are here because you have faith in us. You never doubted the strength of our friendship
• India is here to contribute not to compete; to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict
• You know that India is here to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict; to rebuild lives, not destroy a nation
• Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border; when nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut
• We know that Afghanistan's success will require the cooperation and support of each of its neighbours.
• Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan's future or dictate the choices Afghans make
• When Afghanistan becomes a heaven of peace and a hub of flow of ideas, commerce and investment, we will all prosper together
• I hope the day will come soon when energy from central Asia will power prosperity in the region. Kabuliwalla can come across easily to win Indian hearts
• As Afghans take responsibility for their future, the world must stand with them in solidarity and support
• Afghans are not only fighting for their future but are standing up for all of us and a safer world
• Every youth in Afghanistan should see a future in which IT stands for information technology, not international terrorism
• The promise and the opportunities of the 21st century belong to Afghan youth as much as anyone else in the world
• I am confident that hope will return to your homes, laughter in your schools, life in your streets prosperity in your cities