Kabul to develop close relations with Moscow

Kabul is striving to develop a close relationship with Moscow, Zalmai Rasul, secretary of the Afghan National Security Council and aide to the head of the transitional Afghan government, told the chief of the Russian Security Council, Vladimir Rushailo.

"We are firmly convinced that restoration and development of a very close relationship with Russia is a prime condition when it comes to the strengthening of Afghanistan's security," Rasul stressed.

He said he was glad to meet his Russian counterpart and wanted to talk about the state of security in Afghanistan, which "greatly influences the state of security throughout the whole region." "After many years of difficulties, Afghanistan set about to form a sovereign democratic state. Our vision of Afghanistan is a peaceful independent country, a moderately Islamic state with a national sovereignty and friendly relations with the neighbors," Rasul said.

He also stated that the country had "certain problems" when it came to restoration of the state system and provision of security and stability throughout the country.