Minister Views Iran-Afghanistan Ties as Role Model for Regional States

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Justice Minister Morteza Bakhtiari hailed the close ties between Iran and Afghanistan in different fields, and stressed that the good relations between the two neighboring states can set a role model for the other regional states.
"It wouldn't be wrong or an exaggeration if we say that the good, age-old and enviable relations between the two countries, which have been established on the basis of cultural, historical, religious and human commonalities, can set a role model in relations among the regional countries," Bakhtiari stated, addressing a joint meeting of the heads of the Iranian and Afghan parliament commissions here in Tehran on Saturday.

"Maintenance and continuation of deep and strong relations between Iran and Afghanistan, specially during the last three decades which has been a decisive era filled with ups and downs for the Afghan nation, demonstrates that the two nations' bounds and affinity cannot be defined and realized within the conventional, diplomatic and interest-oriented analyses of the West," he added.

Yet, the minister cautioned that enemies have and are exercising various plots to undermine the friendly relations between the Iranian and Afghan nations.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has practically proved that it is the closest and the most loyal sympathizer for its Afghan brothers," the minister reiterated.

Iran is one of the most important donors to Afghanistan which has kept its promises and helped to the reconstruction of the war-hit country.

Iran has built several roads, power transmission lines, and border stations, among other infrastructural projects.

Also Iran hosts over one million illegal Afghan refugees, while the Islamic Republic has received little international support.