Iran praises Karzai for his stable foreign policy

KABUL (Pajhwok): Iran on Monday paid tributes to outgoing Afghan President Hamid Karzai for maintaining an independent and stable foreign policy and good relations with neighbouring countries during his 13 years reign.

Karzai handed the reins over to new leadership earlier in the day, when his successor Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai was sworn in at a special ceremony in Kabul, the first democratic transfer of power in modern history of Afghanistan.

Iran’s Vice-President Mohammad Shariatmadari met Karzai at the Presidential Palace, where he attended the inauguration ceremony, a statement from the palace said.

At the meeting, Shariatmadari extended best wishes on behalf of Iranian president Hassan Rouhani and thanked for inviting him to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ashraf Ghani.

The visiting dignitary praised achievements Afghanistan made over the past 13 years under Hamid Karzai’s leadership, calling them a result of the former president’s wisdom and goodwill. He also officially invited Karzai to visit Iran when convenient.

Meanwhile, spiritual leader of the Ismaili sect, Prince Karim Agha Khan, called on the former president, a separate statement from the Presidential Palace said.

Agha Khan called Karzai’s role in Afghanistan’s rebuilding as effective and promised to continue supporting the Afghans as their friend.

Karzai also thanked Prince Karim Agha Khan for assistance and cooperation his charitable organisation had been extending to Afghanistan over the past more than a decade.

The meetings took place before the oath-taking ceremony of the new president, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.

ma

Visits: 4