Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi took part in a conference entitled the Evaluation of Developments in Afghanistan Over the Past Year in Bonn on Monday. In this meeting top Iranian diplomats reiterated Tehran's views in regard to Afghanistan, voicing Iran's support for Afghanistan's central government and stressing the need to materialize the world's assurances to continue the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Iran has always backed the central government of Afghanistan in its efforts to consolidate peace and security in that war-torn country. President Khatami was the first world leader to visit Afghanistan after the Loya Jirga. His visit to Kabul last summer showed the importance of the two countries' relations.

Iran's commitment to reconstruction of Afghanistan is a reality that has been praised by the UN. The UN secretary general's representative to Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, lauded Iran's efforts in Afghanistan in his meeting with Kharrazi.

Political analysts believe that the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan has an undeniable impact on neighboring countries including Iran. The continual insecurity on the borders between Afghanistan and its neighbors over the past 20 years has been due to the wars in that country and its weak central governments. Within this context, Afghanistan's neighbors, including Iran, have stressed the need for speedy reconstruction and establishment of stability in that war-ravaged country.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is in favor of a strong central government in Afghanistan and bilateral political and economic ties based on mutual respect and both countries' interests. This point was stressed by Kharrazi during his meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on the sidelines of the Bonn conference.

Another important point mentioned by Iran's foreign minister concerning Tehran-Kabul ties is the urgency of stopping the obstruction of the flow of Afghanistan's Hirmand River into drought-stricken Sistan-Baluchistan Province in Iran. Tehran expects Kabul to adhere to the 1972 agreement between the two countries in this regard and to do everything within its power to resolve the issue. The Afghan government should adopt a course of action in this matter which would show Kabul's good will and help consolidate ties between the two countries.

The latest Bonn conference created a good opportunity for countries eager to see the successful reconstruction of Afghanistan to review developments over the past year.