Tuesday, April 4 2006 18:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Afghan President Hamid Karzai will undertake a week-long visit here from April 9 to further consolidate the ties between the two countries.

During the trip, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a wide range of bilateral issues and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The two leaders are expected to review the progress of reconstruction and developmental projects beng implemented by India in the war-torn country.

India has scores of developmental and reconstruction works going on in Afghanistan covering various sectors like health, infrastructure and education.

A BRO jawan working on construction of a key highway in southern Afghanistan along with about 300 other personnel of the force was kidnapped and subsequently killed.

Situation in Afghanistan is also likely to be deliberated upon, with Karzai likely to apprise Singh about the latest developments in his country.

Terrorist violence in Afghanistan has been on the increase recently and accusing fingers have been raised at Pakistan.

The US, whose forces are fighting terrorism in the country, has expressed apprehensions that the violence may increase further. The American forces are gradually being replaced by NATO forces.

During the visit, Karzai will visit Hyderabad for a day. On April 12, he will make a three-day trip to Shimla, where he has studied in school days.