Afghan, Iranian vice presidents hold talks in Tehran

TEHRAN, Dec. 25 (MNA) -- Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi met with his Afghan counterpart Muhammad Qasim Fahim in Tehran today.

Fahim arrived in Tehran today for a two-day official visit. He was officially welcomed by Rahimi.

During the meeting, Rahimi said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will spare no effort in helping rebuild Afghanistan.

“The two countries can take major steps with the help of each other towards the prosperity of the two nations,” he added.

Rahimi also said that Iran and Afghanistan share cultural and religious affinities and “the two countries must make efforts to further consolidate and deepen relations.”

“Iran is ready to help the friend, Muslim, and brother nation (of Afghanistan) in all areas,” he stated.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Rahimi said, “Through creating 9/11 incident and under the pretext of fighting terrorism, the arrogant powers occupied Afghanistan.”

“The fire that the West sparked in Afghanistan has swept through the neighboring countries including Pakistan. The recent terrorist attack in Chabahar was also a result of such malicious moves,” Rahimi observed.

On December 15, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device outside a mosque in the southeastern city of Chabahar during a Shia religious ceremony, killing 39 people and injuring more than 100 others.

Fahim, for his part, thanked Iran for its stance toward Afghanistan, saying, “The Afghan nation will never forget Iran’s comprehensive support of the Afghan nation in hard times, particularly during Afghanistan’s national resistance.”

Fahim added, “Iran enjoys great capabilities and its progress in the international arena has delighted all Muslim nations.”

He also called on Iran to provide assistance to his country in social, cultural, and technical areas.