Karzai praises Iran's 'goodwill'

Karzai (L) and Khatami signed several cooperation agreements at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Ending a three-day visit to Iran, the leader of Afghanistan's interim government said Iran's troubled relations with the United States will not hurt bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

"Iran has never interfered in the internal affairs of Afghanistan," Hamid Karzai said.

"Tehran has always shown goodwill toward Afghanistan and its people," he said, speaking at press conference marking the end of his visit.

"Iran has always made praiseworthy assistance on the issue of the anti-terror fight," and ousting the Taliban, Karzai added.

Speaking at the same press conference, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said he hoped the United States and Iran would cooperate in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

VIDEO CNN's Kasra Naji reports on the growing relationship between Afghanistan and Iran Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) Afghan interim leader Hamid Karzai is urging the U.S. and Iran to put aside their differences and help rebuild Afghanistan. CNN's Kasra Naji reports Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Khatami said the incorrect position of the United States regarding his country will not have an impact on the ties between Iran and Afghanistan.

He called the United States attitude toward Iran "hostile" and said expressions used recently to describe his country a "sign of naivete and unrealistic attitude" by U.S. politicians.

During his State of the Union address last month, U.S. President George Bush said Iran, Iraq and North Korea make up an "axis of evil."

The United States has accused Tehran of working to destabilize Afghanistan by harboring al Qaeda and Taliban fighters. Iran has denied the charges.

Khatami said Iran's policy -- in the region and beyond -- is one of detente.

During Karzai's visit to Iran, the two leaders signed several cooperation agreements, including one on combating terrorism.