Afghan 1st VP : Iran helps Afghan reconstruction

Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA -- Afghan First Vice-President Mohammad Qasim Fahim said on Saturday that the Islamic Republic of Iran contributes to Afghan reconstruction.

Fahim made the remarks in a meeting with Majlis Speaker, Ali Larijani.

Iran spares no efforts to help restore stability and tranquility in the war-ravaged country, Qasim Fahim added.

Besides, Iran always supports the Afghan nation in all its ups and downs and even did so during their resistance to occupation by the former Soviet Union, Fahim said.

Ties between both countries are brotherly and deeply-rooted, Fahim said, adding that the Afghans are keen on benefiting from Iran’s invaluable experiences in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Larijani, for his part, said that the cultural and religious affinities between the two countries prepared the ground for expansion of political, parliamentary and cultural cooperation.

Welcoming the successful parliamentary elections in Afghanistan, Larijani expressed hope that the Afghans will attain peace and tranquility under Islamic democracy.

Larijani further noted that the withdrawal of alien forces from Afghanistan would lead to restoration of law and order in the country that help people determine their own affairs and uproot drug bandits.

Prior to the meeting, Fahim conferred with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Reza Rahimi on issues of mutual interests along with regional developments./end