IEA has no intention to harm Iran’s interests: Akhund

KABUL (Pajhwok): Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund says the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) is committed to resolve issues with Iran through dialogue and mutual understanding.

He affirmed the commitment at a meeting with Iranian Foreign Sayed Abbas Araghchi and the delegation accompanying him at the Presidential Palace on Sunday.

IEA’s deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat wrote on his X handle the prime minister extended a warm welcome to Dr. Araghchi and his delegation.

Maulvi Hasan Akhund highlighted the significance of such visits in enhancing diplomatic, political and economic ties between the two brotherly and Muslim nations.

He urged more frequent exchanges of delegations between Iran and Afghanistan, saying IEA remained committed to resolving issues with Iran through talks and understanding.

He stated that promoting an atmosphere of mutual understanding and brotherhood would solidify the ties between Kabul and Tehran and lead to the well-being and prosperity of both nations.

The prime minister made clear Afghanistan had no intention of harming Iran on the water issue and sought to address it with all goodwill and sincerity.

He asked Iran to treat Afghan refugees according to Islamic principles. He recalled a large number of Afghans had migrated to Iran for economic reasons.

The migrants’ repatriation could not be managed in a short period, the premier said, calling for gradual measures by Iran in this regard.

Referring to the detention and mistreatment of refugees in Iran, the prime minister said the execution of Afghans occasionally stirred public emotions. He urged Iran to treat the refugees kindly, based on good neighborliness.

For his part, Abbas Araghchi underscored the longstanding historical, religious and economic ties between Kabul and Tehran.

He said: “We are pleased that after four decades, nationwide security has been established in Afghanistan. The acceptance of diplomats at a high level and fostering relations indicate that Iran has strong ties with the caretaker government in Kabul.”

On his first visit to Kabul as foreign minister, Araghchi believed Iran's security and stability were tied to the security and stability of Afghanistan.

He said that recent progress in Afghanistan highlighted the necessity of deepening cooperation with the Islamic Emirate.

The visiting minister, speaking about Afghan refugees and water resources, said the two issues should lead to the expansion of cooperation.

He renewed his country’s commitment to the dignified return of undocumented Afghan refugees.

He explained Iran did not want to meddle in Afghanistan's internal affairs and urged the full implementation of the Helmand River water agreement to address Iran’s concerns.

Separately, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi also met his Iranian counterpart on Sunday.

The two sides discussed bilateral ties between Kabul and Tehran, economic cooperation, the situation of Afghan refugees, shared border and water issues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Muttaqi welcomed his Iranian counterpart and hoped his visit would boost relations between the two countries.

Muttaqi emphasised that the level of diplomatic relations should be elevated, given the numerous commonalities and mutual interests between the two countries.

He suggested the two nations should upgrade diplomatic engagement given the shared interests and commonalities.

Muttaqi also briefed his counterpart on improved security in Afghanistan and the enhanced capabilities of security forces of the interim government.

He urged the Iranian delegation to prioritise improving the conditions of Afghan refugees in Iran, reiterating IEA’s commitment to the dignified and voluntary repatriation of refugees.

The minister acknowledged the process required time and collaborative efforts from the neighbouring countries, including Iran.

Regarding water issues, Muttaqi said: “Due to climate change, the entire region has been affected by drought, and Afghanistan is also a victim of drought. We view the people of Helmand, Nimroz, Sistan, and Baluchistan as one and are working to ensure water reaches both sides. This issue depends on increased rainfall and faces no other obstacles.”

Meanwhile, the Iranian minister acknowledged the Islamic Emirate had made significant progress in the past three and a half years.

He hoped his visit to Kabul would mark the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Dr. Araghchi called addressing water resource issues as a humanitarian priority and asked for enhanced technical collaboration to transform the matter into an area of mutual cooperation

In the end, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to following up on the issues discussed. They agreed to continue high-level delegation exchanges to further strengthen bilateral relations.

kk/mud