Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the new Afghanistan Parliament building, which was constructed by India at a cost of $90 million. The project was started by India in 2007 as a mark of friendship and cooperation to help rebuild Afghanistan, reported PTI. One of the wings of the building has been named "Atal Block", after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is celebrating his 91st birthday on Friday.

In an address to the Afghan Parliament, Modi described the building as a "small tribute of the progress of your nation and democracy". He said, "I stand here representing 1.25 billion Indian friends – in admiration of your achievements, with gratitude for your friendship, [and] in solidarity for the future."

The prime minister also announced 500 more scholarships for the children of martyrs of the Afghan security forces, in addition to the 1,000 that are already in existence. He said, "Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border, [and] when the sanctuaries of terrorism are shut... 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."

Here is the video of the prime minister's entire speech:

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