Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in meetings with Afghan officials said that Iran and Afghanistan will soon finalize a “strategic document” that will provide the groundwork for deeper relations between the two countries.
Araghchi underlined the importance of intensive consultations between the two countries, saying Iran and Afghanistan are neighbors and share common interests and concerns, the Tehran Times reported.
The Afghan Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that Araghchi in a meeting with Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar discussed the “comprehensive document for long-term cooperation” between the two countries and the preparations for forming a joint economic commission between Afghanistan and Iran.
Atmar said in the meeting that the opening of the Khaf-Herat railway has increased the spirit of hope and confidence to strengthen regional cooperation and connectivity in the region.
Atmar said cooperation between Kabul and Tehran is important to achieve a lasting peace, security and economic development in the region, according to the statement.
Atmar said the Afghan government has the will to strengthen relations between the two governments.
The statement said that Atmar also spoke in detail about the significance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of investment in macroeconomic projects aimed at connecting Afghanistan and Iran to the countries of Central Asia and the region.
Araghchi, meanwhile, briefed Atmar about the progress made in setting up a joint economic commission between Afghanistan and Iran, assuring the Afghan foreign minister of his country’s support for the success of Afghanistan’s peace process and the preservation of the achievements of the last 19 years.
“Afghanistan has been involved in many problems and the Iranian people and the government have always stood by the Afghan people and government,” Araghchi said as quoted by Tehran Times.
During his visit to Kabul, Araghchi also met with National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib and discussed the two countries' relations, the peace process and other relevant topics, according to a statement by the National Security Council.