The presidents of Afghanistan and Iran have opened a new road between their countries that they hailed as a symbol of the bilateral cooperation needed to restore peace and stability to the region.
Iran agreed to build the 123-kilometer road between its Dogharoun region and Afghanistan's western Herat province that officials say is a key source of trade for Afghanistan.
In his remarks, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said Iran desires a stable, modern and free Afghanistan. He also said that his government is studying more than 30 road-building projects in Iran to further expand trade to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai thanked Iran for building the $60 million highway and emphasized that the reconstruction of war-torn Afghanistan will also help its neighbors.
President Karzai used the new highway to return home and end his two day visit.