Iranian envoy in Kabul for talks with Afghan officials

KABUL (Pajhwok): Iran’s special envoy for Afghanistan Hassan Kazemi Qomi has arrived in Kabul to meet Afghan officials on regional and economic issues.

The Iranian embassy here tweeted on Monday that Qomi was due in Kabul, but some media outlets reported the diplomat had already arrived in the capital.

The embassy said the envoy would discuss with host leaders various issues, such as refugees, humanitarian aid and an inclusive government in Kabul, especially economic issues.

It added helping the Afghan people before the winter season was a priority for Iran.

Last week, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had announced that Qomi would soon travel to Kabul for talks on issues of mutual interest.

The envoy’s visit to Afghanistan comes as Iran recently hosted a meeting with representatives from Russia and Afghanistan’s neighbours. The caretaker Taliban government was not invited to the meeting.

With Tehran yet to recognise the Afghan government, President Ebrahim Raisi has appointed Qomi, a former ambassador to Iraq, as his special envoy for Afghanistan.

sa/mud