Kabul, March 2, IRNA - Iranian Education Minster Mahmoud Farshidi on the third day of his trip to Afghanistan held discussions with President Hamid Karzai.

The two sides conferred on expanding cooperation and relations in the cultural, educational and scientific fields within framework of spiritual relations as well as cultural, religious and historical affinities.

Underlining the need for expanding and strengthening bilateral ties, Karzai appreciated Iran's role in reconstruction of his country.

"Education is one of the principal and crucial issues in future destiny of every nation," he added.

Pointing to growth of education in Afghanistan, he noted that the government gives priority to reforms in education.

The government is implementing numerous projects to reform the education system in the country, he noted.

For his part, Farshidi described achievements of educational programs of Iran, adding that Tehran and Kabul are cooperating in this sector such as holding training courses for 200 Afghan teachers.

The minister, heading a delegation of officials of the ministry, arrived in Kabul at an official invitation from his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Hanif Atmar.

The two education ministers signed a memorandum of understanding to stress expansion of mutual cultural relations.

Iran has diverted a sum of some dlrs 1.2 million from the aid package, it has forwarded to Afghans, for commissioning educational projects in Afghanistan.

The aid will be spent on establishment of teacher training, information and research centers in Afghanistan.

Iranian minister and the delegation will return to Iran Friday afternoon.

... Payvand News - 3/3/07 ... --