Afghan refugees on agenda in Baradar’s meeting with interior minister
Iranian Minister of the Interior Ahmad Vahidi and Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar held discussions on Afghan refugees in Iran, border security, counterterrorism efforts, and expanding trade relations in a meeting in Tehran on Monday.
The return of Afghan refugees to their homeland was among the key discussions held on Monday during the country’s high-ranking delegation’s meeting, IRNA reported.
In the meeting, where the two sides discussed the latest developments and cooperation fields, Vahidi stressed that Iran is ready to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Afghan side in the fields of mutual interest, stating that the water issue is on the mid-term and long-term plan of the two countries.
He said the issue has affected bilateral cooperation, stressing that it must be resolved. Iran and Afghanistan had been in disagreement over the allocation of shared water resources. Iran has reiterated the country’s call to secure its water rights in the Hirmand River and its sources in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Baradar’s office said on Monday that during the meetings with Iranian top officials, key discussions were held on political and economic relations, “effective” coordination between their respective nations, water resource management, transit agreements, and enhancement of Afghanistan’s imports and exports through Iran, Anadolu Agency reported.
Expressing gratitude to Tehran for hosting Afghan refugees, Baradar acknowledged Iran’s “commitment to Islamic values, humanitarianism, and the rights and norms concerning refugees.”
Baradar, who arrived in Tehran on Saturday, has also held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Akbar Ahmadian.
The Taliban statement quoted Ahmadian addressing the visiting Afghan delegation that Iran and Afghanistan “play a crucial role in China’s One Belt One Road Initiative.”
“Both sides agreed to capitalize on the opportunities at hand and ensure that no external factors negatively impact the strong relationship between Iran and Afghanistan,” the statement said.
During the Sunday meeting, the SNSC chief said Iran supports Afghanistan’s independence, stability, security, and development, Press TV reported.
The Taliban official said Kabul is determined to fight terrorism and increase security along the border.
Afghanistan will pose no threat to any of its neighboring states, he added.
Baradar called for the improvement of trade and economic cooperation with Iran, particularly in the sectors of transit and air transportation.
He reiterated Afghanistan’s commitment to the implementation of treaties it has signed with Iran, especially in the water sector.
In a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, Baradar discussed Afghanistan’s “engagement with regional and global partners through Iran”.
Besides discussing investment prospects for Iranian investors in Afghanistan, he highlighted the need for “streamlining visa issuance for Afghan citizens, and addressing the challenges faced by Afghan refugees residing in Iran.”