TEHRAN – President Hassan Rouhani has said that policy of Iran is expanding ties with Afghanistan and supporting peace and stability in the country.

“The Islamic [Republic of] Iran favors a secure, stable and united Afghanistan,” Rouhani said during a meeting with Afghan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah in Tehran on Tuesday.

“Iran also welcomes expansion of cooperation with Afghanistan especially in areas of economy, culture and environment,” Rouhani noted.

Rouhani added Iran is determined to expand relations with the neighboring countries in various spheres.

He said that Iran has always stood beside the Afghan people after the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

He also said that thousands of Afghans are being educated in Iran and expressed hope that they would serve Afghanistan when they return home.

Elsewhere, he said that establishment of national unity government in Afghanistan is a “positive and valuable achievement”, proving the “maturity” of Afghan political leaders.

For his part, Abdullah thanked Iran for supporting the Afghan people and government.

He also said that Iran and Afghanistan hold friendly relations based on mutual respect and called for expansion of ties.

Adbullah, who served as foreign minister from 2001 to 2005, expressed hope that the proper conditions would come about soon to facilitate the return of Afghan refugees living in Iran. 

-----Zarif: It is essential to set a roadmap for Iran-Afghanistan ties

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also told Abdullah on Tuesday that it is essential to prepare a roadmap for relations between Iran and Afghanistan.

Zarif also supported efforts by the Afghan government to establish security and pushing for inter-Afghan dialogue.

The Iranian and Afghan officials also exchanged views on regional and international developments and assessed ways to improve cooperation in fight against terrorism and extremism.

Abdullah who arrived in Tehran on Monday held talks with the Supreme Leader on Tuesday.

-----‘New chapter will be opened in Iran-Afghanistan ties’

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli also held separate talks with the top Afghan official on Wednesday, noting that a new chapter will be opened in economic ties between Iran and Afghanistan.

Rahmani Fazli highlighted the necessity of expanding relations and cooperation in economic area.

NA/PA