Iran Reiterates Afghan Nation’s Right of Self-Determination

(FNA)- Iranian Supreme Leader's top aide Ali Akbar Velayati said only the Afghan nation can decide the fate of their country.

Speaking in a meeting with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Nicholas Haysom in Tehran on Sunday, Velayati, who is also the Head of Research Center of the country's Expediency Council, said it is only the Afghan nation that can decide and determine their fate.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought restoration of stability to Afghanistan and backed its legitimate government, he went on to say.

Haysom, for his part, said countries such as Iran and Afghanistan are considered close allies in terms of political, social and economic issues.

He also lauded Iran's significant role in holding elections in Afghanistan, fighting drug trafficking and hosting Afghan refugees.

Iran is one of the most important donors to Afghanistan, which has kept its promises to help to the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.

Iran has built several roads, power transmission lines, border stations and many other infrastructure projects in Afghanistan to better link the two nations.

Iran has also contributed more than $50mln annually to Afghan anti-narcotics efforts during the last five years.