( Irna ) - Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here Tuesday that Iran supports the government of Afghan President Hamed Karzai.
"We support the government of Karzai so that while restoring security to Afghanistan, it would take stability, reconstruction and development of the country seriously," said Mottaki in a meeting with the EU envoy in Afghanistan Francesco Vendrel.
Mottaki said the Islamic Republic of Iran has contributed to many reconstruction projects in Afghanistan.
He criticized western states for disrespect of the region's potentials, particularly those in Afghanistan, in the reconstruction of the country.
He said that as far as security is concerned and given the unprecedented growth in cultivation and production of drugs, there are signs of certain countries' interference in Afghanistan that prevent restoration of security and tranquility.
He stressed Iran's contacts with Afghan government to secure restoration of peace and security in that country.
Vendrel said for his part, "Our attitude towards conditions and developments in Afghanistan was formerly positive but we have now come to the conclusion that one should not expect speedy settlement of the problems."
He said, "We are witnessing growing rise in political, social and security problems and increase in drug production in Afghanistan.
Despite significance of security issue for Europe, we consider the case of Afghanistan reconstruction as the most important subject." He added that Europeans' presence in Afghanistan is based on the calls and wishes of Afghan government and people themselves.
"As for the increase in cultivation and production of drugs in the country, it should be said that campaign against the phenomenon needs cooperation among all states."