Monday, August 29 2005 12:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kabul: "Afghanistan has always fascinated me," Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and son of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said here yesterday (August 28, 2005).

Rahul, who accompanied the Prime Minister on his two-day visit to Afghanistan, recalled that he had showed his interest in the country to Manmohan Singh while they were having lunch recently.

He said he always had a fascination for Afghanistan and the Prime Minister said, "Come along."

Asked whether his visit could be viewed as his foray into international politics, Rahul said the media always made a big issue. "I have come here only on a visit," he said.

It is for the first time that Rahul has joined Prime Minister's entourage to any foreign country.

To a question, Rahul said Afghanistan needed help in areas of education and human resources and India was eager to extend help to that country.

He said he did not really know what the people wanted as his movements were restricted.

The Prime Minister, at his press conference here, said, "It is for the Government and people of Afghanistan to indicate what type of assistance they want. We are ready to give it."