Iran asks Afghanistan for its due water share

ATLANTA (Pajhwok): The newly-appointed Iranian ambassador has asked for his country’s right to Helmand River water, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesman for the ministry, tweeted late on Sunday that Ambassador Hassan Kazemi Qomi met Muttaqi on issues of common interest.

At the outset of the meeting, Muttaqi congratulated Qomi on taking up his new job and hoped for success in his diplomatic assignment.

They discussed political and economic issues between the two countries and expressed hope for maintaining good neighbourliness and progress on furthering common interests, Takal wrote.

The ambassador underlined the importance of water and stressed efforts to avoid its waste and ensure Iran got its right in full.

The acting foreign minister, clarifying Kabul’s stance on the Iranian right to Helmand River water, said: “The Islamic Emirate remains committed to the 1973 agreement.

“But due to fewer rains and drought, the water level has been low an genuine problem. We hope more rainfall will help resolve this issue,” the minister added.

Qomi is also serving as the special representative of the Iranian president for Afghanistan.

aw/mud