Iran Calls for Closer Cooperation with Afghanistan on Border Security

In a meeting with Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, held on the sidelines of the 4th meeting of Afghanistan's neighboring countries in Samarkand, Amirabdollahian described the relations between Iran and Afghanistan as important from different aspects.

He stressed the need to establish lasting security in Afghanistan and underlined the necessity of promoting cooperation with Afghanistan in terms of border security, avoiding tension in this area and preventing drug trafficking.

The foreign minister said Iran’s right to the water of Helmand River is a chronic problem and the interim ruling group of Afghanistan must, for that matter, take practical measures to resolve the existing problems, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.

Amirabdollahian then noted that the steps taken by Afghanistan are necessary but not sufficient, adding that the main criteria for Iran is tangible fulfilment of its right to the Helmand water.

As for the formation of an inclusive and participatory government in Afghanistan, Amirabdollahian said, “What we have proposed to the interested parties in Afghanistan during the last four decades is that all ethnic groups and factions should feel that Afghanistan belongs to them."

Muttaqi, for his part, welcomed the issues raised by the Iranian foreign minister in the meeting. He said the interim government of Afghanistan is serious about fighting terrorism and making sure that no threat is posed to neighboring countries from inside Afghanistan.

He also gave assurances that the ruling establishment of Afghanistan will make each and every effort to restrict poppy cultivation and drug trafficking.

The acting foreign minister of Afghanistan further underlined that the country’s interim government will abide by international treaties including the one which guarantees Iran’s right to the Helmand water. He finally outlined the latest measures the Taliban have taken to that end.