Iran, UN discuss Doha meeting on Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Top Iranian and UN diplomats have exchanged views on the upcoming UN-convened meeting on Afghanistan in Doha.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali BagheriKani and United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) head Roza Otunbayeva met in Tehran on Monday, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The statement quoted Bagheri as saying: “A comparison of the situations in Afghanistan at the time of US entry and its withdrawal, suggests the American presence had significantly contributed to insecurity, instability, increased terrorism threats and drug production."

He stressed the UN priority in Afghanistan should be securing the interests of the people and ensuring safety, peace and stability in the country.

He also called for creating opportunities for the return of educated Afghans to their home country and utilising their skills for the development of their homeland.

Otunbayeva sought Iran’s assistance in fostering continued cooperation among regional nations and engaging with the caretaker Afghan government.

She emphasised the need for regional and global alignments to support development and stability in Afghanistan.

kk/mud