Kabul Seeks Diplomatic Approach to Reduce Tensions With Dushanbe 

KABUL: The Ministry of Information and Culture said that diplomatic efforts were underway to reduce tensions between Afghanistan and neighboring Tajikistan.  

A member of the cultural commission of the ministry, Rohullah Omari, on Wednesday called Tajikistan a good neighbor, but said Kabul will not allow Afghanistan’s soil to be violated by any country. 

“The Foreign Ministry is in touch with all countries and is working for the facilitation of good ties,” he said. “We will have discussions with Tajikistan on all issues.”  

Reportedly travel between the two countries at the border is no longer possible. 

Stranded people say that they have spent several days trying to get across the border. 

“The refugees come from Badakhshan to Takhar and from here they want to go to Shirkhan port but Shirkhan port is also shut and they are engaged in these problems,” said Fawad, a displaced person.

“The tensions that exist between Afghanistan and Tajikistan are not in anyone's interest,” said international relations expert Hamid Obaidi. “Resolving this is possible through mutually-recognized policy and neighborly gestures.”