New Delhi: Afghanistan looks forward to further strengthening of ties with India with President Hamid Karzai saying, "India has helped us a lot in a variety of areas ranging from education to health to technology."

Karzai, who was given a ceremonial welcome on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan at the start of his four-day visit to the country, told reporters, "India has helped us a lot in a variety of areas ranging from education to health to technology. Our relations have been a traditional and historic one."

On situation in Iraq, he said, "We will have a conference soon," but declined to elaborate.

The Afghan leader who is on his second visit to India in 13 months said, "I am very happy being in India as it very close to me," having had his education in Shimla.

Karzai, who was received by President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, Lt Governor of Delhi Vijai Kapoor and senior officials and diplomats, will hold wide-ranging discussions with Indian leaders.

During his visit, Afghanistan will sign a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and discuss further measures to strengthen ongoing rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in the war-ravaged country.

Recalling the historical relations between the two countries, Karzai said, "We have excellent ties at the bilateral level and India has helped us a lot in a large number of areas."

Asked any specific areas that Afghanistan looked forward to having Indian assistance, he said, "There are a variety of areas like education, health, science and technology, engineering. You name it."

The Afghan leader will receive an Airbus on March 7 gifted by India. This is the last of the three Airbus gifted to Afghan Airlines, Ariana. The two aircraft gifted earlier are already in operation in the international sector including for Haj flights.

PTI