New York, Sept 28, IRNA - President Hassan Rouhani said Iran will always be a supporter of the nation and government of Afghanistan and regards development and security of its neighbors including Afghanistan as its own.

He made the remarks in a meeting on Monday with Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah in New York during which he said, 'Increasing security in Afghanistan will boost development and every effort should focus on this objective.'

'War and killing will not benefit any groups,' he added, 'If there could be found a solution for laying down the arms, it will be good for Afghanistan's development.'

Referring to the challenge of narcotic production in certain parts of Afghanistan and its problems of the neighboring countries, President Rouhani urged the Afghan government to increase its measures against poppy cultivation and production of narcotic drugs.

He also said that connecting Iran's railways to Afghanistan's Herat province can raise bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Abdullah thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran for its support to the people and government of Afghanistan specially in the reconstruction period.

Iran has proved its brotherhood and friendship under all conditions, said the Afghan chief executive.

By IRNA