TEHRAN -- "Iranian nation has always been beside the oppressed Afghan nation in their long fight to attain independence and will never leave them alone," Khatami told reporters at Mehrabad International Airport here before departing for Afghanistan. Pointing to historical bonds between Iran and Afghanistan, he said, "Iran has played an outstanding and decisive role in establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan and after the establishment of Loya Jirga or assembly of the elders and the transitional government relations between Tehran and Kabul have been specially good." "Afghanistan, after putting behind several decades of suffering and hardship, needs tranquility," Khatami said, adding that, "the country is blessed with abundant talents and its nation deserves greater development and progress."

He stressed that peace and stability are the prime conditions for progress and development in Afghanistan and there must be ground for the establishment of a powerful national government in that country.

"Groups of diverse political inclination must think about the dignity of Afghanistan and they must not cede any concession to a superpower," Khatami said.

"If there is any world power in Afghanistan, it must help the establishment of peace and progress in that country and the Islamic Republic of Iran is the harbinger of peace and stability in Afghanistan and a boost to the ruling government," the Iranian president said.

"Iran has made the biggest assistance to Afghanistan during the previous year", Khatami said, adding that "his trip is intended to express solidarity with the Afghan nation and strengthen the government in power in that country as well as paving the way for its reconstruction". The Iranian president pointed to commonalties between the two countries in regards to the history, civilization and culture and said, "Historical bonds between the two nations have tied up the two countries' fates."

Heading a political, economic and cultural delegation, Khatami arrived in Kabul Tuesday morning on an official one-day visit to the neighboring country.

Khatami was seen off at Mehrabad International Airport by Head of the Leader's Office Hojjatoleslam Gholamhossein Mohammadi Golpayegani and a number of ministers and MPs.