Afghan president hails close ties with Iran

TEHRAN,Jan.7(MNA) - President Hamid Karzai said that the relations between Afghanistan and Iran have been greatly strengthened in recent years. He made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Saeed Jalili in Kabul on Saturday. Karzai also hailed the close cultural and historical ties between the two neighboring countries. Jalili reiterated Tehran’s position that Iran is ready to help develop Afghanistan in various areas. “The good and stable relationship between the governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is based on deep and historical friendships,” Jalili stated. Jalili arrived in Kabul on Saturday after making a three-day visit to India. The visit, which came at the invitation of the Afghan government, was arranged to discuss ways to further expand ties between the two countries. Afghanistan seeking Iranian investment Jalili also met with Afghan National Security Advisor Rangin Dadfar Spanta in Kabul late on Saturday. The Afghan official asked Jalili to encourage Iranians to make investments in Afghanistan. The two security officials also discussed a number of security, economic and border issues. Jalili called for further expansion of economic and cultural ties between the two nations. The Iranian official also said the current stability in Afghanistan is “unique” in its recent history and “this status must be strengthened.” Jalili added that Iran is ready to assist Afghanistan in this regard. Spanta highlighted the importance of implementing transit projects including railway system between the countries which in effect will help promote peace and stability in the region.