IEA-Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During the meeting, the two officials engaged in discussions on a range of key issues, including bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Iran, economic cooperation, the situation of Afghan refugees residing in Iran, border management, and water management.
Welcoming his Iranian counterpart, FM Muttaqi expressed hope that the visit would bring more dynamism to the relations between the two countries ushering in a new phase of enhanced bilateral cooperation, adding further, FM Muttaqi said the that two nations should upgrade diplomatic engagement given the shared interests and commonalities.
Likewise, FM Muttaqi updated his counterpart on the improved security situation and the enhanced capabilities of the security forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan following their recent progress, highlighting that Afghanistan’s newfound stability, after decades of conflict, benefiting the region as a whole.
Additionally, FM Muttaqi urged the Iranian delegation to prioritize improving the conditions of Afghan refugees in Iran, reiterating the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to the dignified and voluntary repatriation of refugees while acknowledging that the process requires time and collaborative efforts from neighboring countries, including Iran.
In regard to water resource management, pointing out the adverse effects of climate change, which have resulted in severe drought across the region, including Afghanistan, FM Muttaqi assured the Iranian side that Afghanistan remains committed to ensuring equitable water share to the populations of Helmand, Nimroz, Sistan, and Baluchistan, emphasizing that the only limiting factor is the availability of sufficient rainfall.
Later, Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that stability in Afghanistan directly contributes to stability in Iran, commending the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan for its progress over the past three, and expressing hope that his visit would mark the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Acknowledging Afghanistan’s efforts in combating narcotics, Mr. Araghchi proposed closer cooperation between the two countries in this area, including the exchange of expertise and experiences between relevant authorities.
Furthermore, Dr. Araghchi called addressing water resource issues as a humanitarian priority and asked for enhanced technical collaboration to transform this matter into an area of mutual cooperation.
In the end, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to following up on the issues discussed and agreeing to continue high-level exchanges to further strengthen bilateral relations.