During a special international Nowruz festival in Kabul on Thursday, President Hamid Karzai touched base with top leaders of nine participating countries from around the region

Karzai said at the event that harmony and cooperation between the countries will support the region to overcome issues of militancy and extremism. Participations included the heads of states of Iran, Tajikistan, Pakistan and high ranking delegations from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

In his speech, president Karzai addressed the historical background of Nowruz and said that regional coordination will help conquer common issues.

"We are the owners of a great civilization," President Karzai said. "These cultural and historic similarities along with our geographical commonality can further expand harmony and solidarity among our countries."

In his speech, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged the people of Afghanistan to pursue moderation and combat fundamentalism and extremism.

"Today we celebrate Nowruz in a country that has been the victim of ignorance, aggression and extremism over many eras, but has always acted like the Phoenix fighting against extremism, communism and fundamentalism protecting its independence and freedom," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said.

However, Deputy Head of Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, Mir Ahmad Joyenda, said that President Rouhani's official view and stance on the situation in Afghanistan was just to please President Karzai.

Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahman also addressed the gathering asking Afghans to determine their future by participating in elections.

"Moderation is the way that leads to construction, intellectualism, growth and prosperity while extremism and violence cause major harm to civilization and society," Rahman said.

Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain pointed out cultural similarities and urged for close cooperation between the two countries.
"Today's event shows that our region has cultural diversity," Hussain said. "We must share this cultural diversity with each other."

The Nowruz festival was held in the Presidential Palace where the presence of four presidents and high level delegation members conveyed a positive message about regional solidarity despite ongoing tensions.

The Afghan government had orginally planned for the celebration to take place at Paghman Hill, but the program was switched to the Presidential Palace for security reasons.