TEHRAN -- Ashraf Qazi, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan’s special representative for Iraq here on Sunday said the organization of the Ninth Conference of the Foreign Ministers of the Neighboring Countries of Iraq was a major step toward establishing stability in the war-torn country.

Speaking during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki, Qazi added, “Our prime concern is security in Iraq that should be addressed by taking into consideration the factors that foment insecurity.”

The regional conference, which focused on security and development in Iraq, gathered officials from Iraq and its neighbors -- Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, and Turkey -– plus Egypt and Bahrain. Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa also attended the meeting that was held on July 8 and 9.

Qazi, who was also present in the meeting, thanked Iran for its efforts to promote security and stability in its neighboring country.

Mottaki said that Iran believes all affairs of Iraq should be handed over to its people as soon as possible.

Setting a timetable for the foreign troops’ withdrawal will have positive impacts on the security of the country, he added.

The minister called upon the UN to play a more active role in resolving Iraq’s problems.

Iran places great importance on boosting security in the region, Mottaki said.