Iran’s support for Afghan peace process lauded

KABUL, seeking cooperation from neighbours.

Deputy Defense Minister Ahmad Tamim said Afghanistan highly valued its friendship with Iran. He said ties with Iran would not be affected by relations with other countries.

Currently heading a high-level delegation to Iran, Tamim met Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi late on Wednesday, according to IRNA.

The trip is aimed at making preparations for a visit to Tehran by the new defence minister in April and opening a new chapter in defense cooperation.

Araqchi welcomed President Ashraf Ghani’s decision to open a new chapter in defence cooperation with Iran. He said peace and stability in both countries was intertwined.

He called for closer cooperation between the neighbours to counter common threats, including terrorism. He also offered to help the Afghan government advance the peace process.

PAN Monitor/mud