Iran, Afghanistan emphasize foreigners' withdrawal

Ahmadinejad in a meeting with Karzai on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, reiterated that presence of foreigners in the region have only led to expansion of dimension of unrest.

He also stressed the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to help progress and self-sufficiency of Afghanistan.

Karzai on his part highlighted expansion of mutual relations and said, "Afghanistan is seeking independence and self-sufficiency through further cooperation with regional states and particularly with Iran."

He reiterated that Afghan nation is waiting for presence of foreign forces in the country to terminate.

"Afghan people are against further presence of foreign forces in their country," Karzai added.

Heads of states gathered in Astana for the SCO celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The SCO is made up of Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Mongolia, Pakistan, India and Iran all hold the status of the organization's observers.

The Summit is to commence on June 15th.

The parties will bring to the light the results of the SCO activity over the 10 years and prospects for its further development.

It is believed the summit will end with the adoption of the Astana Declaration