Kabul (TDI): Iran and Afghanistan called for increased cooperation during a visit to Kabul by Iranian foreign minister on Sunday, the highest-level Iranian official to visit the Afghan capital since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Taliban government Prime Minister Hassan Akhund during a one-day trip to discuss ties between the neighbouring nations that spar over issues including migration and water resources.
The two sides discussed economic cooperation, the situation of Afghan migrants in Iran, border issues and water rights, the Afghan foreign ministry said in a statement.
Araghchi acknowledged the countries’ economic, trade and political ties in his talks with Muttaqi, according to an Iranian statement, adding he hoped that “during this visit we will be able to further expand the relations in line with the national interests of both countries.”
Muttaqi “expressed optimism that Araghchi’s trip to Afghanistan would bolster ties between the two nations”, the Afghan foreign ministry said.
Many nations closed their embassies in Afghanistan or downgraded diplomatic ties after the Taliban takeover that ousted the US-backed government, but Tehran has maintained active diplomatic relations with Afghanistan’s new rulers, though it has yet to officially recognise the Taliban government.
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Tensions between the two nations have intensified in recent years over water resources and the construction of dams on the Helmand and Harirud rivers.
Water, Migration Issues
Araghchi said the problems of water and migration demanded expanded collaboration and called for the full implementation of bilateral water treaties, according to an Afghan foreign ministry statement.
Muttaqi mentioned that the region is facing drought due to climate change and that Afghan authorities are working to ensure water is accessible on both side of the Iran-Afghanistan border.
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Muttaqi and Akhund also demanded the situation of Afghan migrants in Iran to be improved and for their “dignified” return to Afghanistan.
