February 16, 2002

'26'

SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN CONDOLES AFGHAN MINISTER’S DEATH

    The Civil Aviation Minister Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain has expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic demise of Mr. Abdullah Rahman, the Civil Aviation Minister of the Government of Afghanistan. In a message Shri Hussain described Mr. Rahman as a very warm, friendly, progressive and far-sighted person. Shri Shahnawaz Hussain recalled his recent meetings with Mr. Rahman during the Afghan Minister’s visit to India and said that India has lost an upcoming friend.

    India and Afghanistan had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on resumption of air services on the 25^th January in New Delhi in the presence of Mr. Rahman and Shri Hussain. The MOU allows each country to operate up to 1600 seats per week in each direction. The MOU also provides that the Ministries of Civil Aviation of the two countries and their designated airlines shall workout arrangements for technical collaboration for training of operational and technical staff of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of Afghanistan and the staff of Ariana Afghan Airlines.