AKIPRESS.COM - Vladimir Putin met with President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai in Shanghai on May 20, the Kremlin said Tuesday.

Mr Putin said he is pleased to see Mr Karzai and to have the opportunity to exchange views on developing the bilateral relations, as well as the situation in the region.

"There were different periods in the history of relations between our nations, but ultimately, the main trend in our relationship has always been an aspiration toward good neighbourly relations and developing cooperation. In recent years, with your direct participation and support, we have built very neighbourly, friendly relations, seeking ways to develop our contacts in the economic, political and humanitarian sectors. Thanks to your efforts, Afghanistan has made great strides in stabilising the domestic situation, developing the economic and social spheres, and building its armed forces. You have also done a great deal to successfully hold the first phase of the presidential election campaign," Mr Putin said.

President Karzai in his turn said he is glad the historical relationship between Russia and Afghanistan has been restored. "I would like to note your exceptional role in the development of these relations, in the fact that when participating in the international community, you helped us overcome the difficult situation we found ourselves in and achieve the state of affairs we are reaching today," the Kremlin press service cites.