IEA urges foreign countries to invest in Afghan mega projects

KABUL (Pajhwok): Deputy prime minister for administrative affairs Mulavi Abdul Salam Hanafi has asked foreign countries to invest in Afghanistan’s mega projects in order to guarantee stability in the country.

Hanafi named the mega projects such as trans-Afghanistan railway project, Herat-Spin Boldak highway, Chabahar port, Lapis Lazuli route, Wakhan corridor and TAPI gas pipeline project.

The Presidential Palace wrote on X that Hanafi addressed an iftar party last night where a number of foreign diplomats and representatives of some countries were also present.

Welcoming the attendees, Hanafi said the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) wanted good relations with all countries based on mutual interaction and respect.

“The IEA condemns the merciless attacks of the Zionist regime in Gaza and the massacre of the Palestinians.”

He called the Israeli attacks against all humanitarian and international principles and brought into question the international order and laws.

He added: “After IEA’s takeover, stability in Afghanistan has been secured and the cultivation of poppy and trafficking, smuggling and use of drugs is prevented and corruption is eliminated and the media is active. Addicts were rounded up for rehabilitation and the forcefully evicted refugees are managed well.”

Hanafi asked regional and other foreign countries to help Afghanistan prevent youth immigration to other countries and to invest in mega projects of the country such as trans-Afghanistan railway, Herat-Spin Boldak highway, Chahbahar port, Lapis Lazuli route, Wakhan corridor, CASA-1000 and TAPI gas pipeline to further stabilize the country.

He described the implementation of mega projects crucial for the stability of regional countries as well.

He added the IEA wished good relations with other countries and urged other countries not to evict Afghan refugees forcibly.

He said the IEA will not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and asked other countries not to interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

Pointing to recent militant attacks in Iran, Russia and Pakistan, Hanafi said: “We condemn the attacks that claim innocent lives.”

Hanafi also met with UN’s deputy special representative Indrika Ratwette yesterday.

During that meeting, Indrika Ratwette thanked the IEA for its cooperation in the distribution of humanitarian aid to needy Afghans, especially those affected by the earthquake in western Herat province and the refugees who returned from different countries. She also welcomed the overall security, prevention of drug trafficking, trade and the elimination of corruption.

She assured continuation of humanitarian aid from the international community with the Afghans and asked IEA authorities for further cooperation in this regard.

aw/ma