Afghan, Iranian officials talk refugees’ issues, security

KABUL (Pajhwok): Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Maulvi Abdul Kabir and Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Wahidi have discussed bilateral ties and the problems of Afghan refugees residing in that country.

A statement from the Presidential Palace said Kabir, during his three-day visit to the neighbouring country, met Wahidi in Tehran on Tuesday.

Issues such as strengthening bilateral ties between Afghanistan and Iran, addressing the problems of Afghan refugees residing there and curbing drug smuggling were discussed at the meeting.

Wahidi described the exchange of trips by high-level Afghan and Iranian officials as a positive sign in the development of bilateral relations and cooperation.

He added Tehran was interested in further enhancing relations with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) in various fields.

He noted security problems had been solved in border areas and Iranian officials acknowledge the ground had been paved for greater cooperation.

Kabir called forging positive relations with neighbouring countries the policy of IEA. Poppy cultivation and drug smuggling had been reduced to zero in the interest of the entire world, he claimed.

He underlined the need for robust relations between Kabul and Tehran, saying IEA as a responsible government would not allow anyone to use Afghanistan’s soil against any country and wanted to contribute to the region’s economic growth.

aw/mud