Afghan President thanks Iran for financial support

Afghan President Hamid Karzai praised the Islamic Republic of Iran for financial support for reconstruction of the war-shattered country, IRNA reported. Speaking in the inaugural ceremony of Afghan parliament, he said current relations between the two countries are on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's affairs. "We sincerely thank Iran for aiding the country's reconstruction efforts, campaign against terrorism, cutting the hands of foreign saboteurs and Iranian hospitality to Afghan refugees," he said. As an independent country, Afghanistan is interested to broaden ties with other countries and cooperation with neighboring states on mutual respect, said the president.

"Restoration of stability in Afghanistan would be to the benefit of all neighboring states as well as other countries in the world, he said adding that the country is considered as an integral part of Muslim World. Afghanistan has put expansion of political ties with the Islamic and Arab countries on its agenda."

Campaign against poverty and terrorism would not being materialized without collective cooperation between parliament and government, he underlined. A number of domestic and foreign parliamentary and political officials attended the opening ceremony of Afghan parliament, reports IranMania. I.L.