TEHRAN Afghanistan on Wednesday denied allegations that Iran was interfering in its internal affairs, while U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell held talks in Islamabad in preparation for a visit to Afghanistan.

In Teheran, Afghan Defense Minister General Mohammad Fahim rejected allegations by United States officials that Iran was interfering in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

"These charges are not true and Iran has constantly backed the Afghan nation," Fahim told Iran's state-run television before returning to Kabul from Tehran.

He was referring to remarks by U.S. officials that Iran was not cooperating with the interim government of Premier Hamid Karzai.

Tehran has categorically rejected the charges and has voiced support for Karzai's government.

Meeting in the Philippines capital Manila, foreign agencies Wednesday underscored that 15 billion dollars was needed to rebuild war-shattered Afghanistan.