WANA (May 18) – Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said that the annual volume of trade between Iran and Afghanistan has reached approximately $3 billion, highlighting growing bilateral ties despite regional challenges.

 

Speaking at a panel during the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Muttaqi also underscored Afghanistan’s commitment to helping its neighbors in times of need, citing religious and humanitarian responsibilities.

 

“It is our religious duty as Muslims to help a fellow Muslim who is suffering from thirst,” Muttaqi stated, addressing ongoing concerns over water shortages in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province.

 

Afghanistan’s Political Shift and Regional Role

Muttaqi described the past five decades of Afghan history as marred by foreign intervention, but said the country is now entering a new political era.

 

“Afghanistan is transforming into a regional hub for connectivity, transit, and energy,” he said, emphasizing the country’s positive role in regional integration. He also noted efforts over the past four years to rebuild Afghanistan’s security infrastructure to meet the nation’s internal needs.

 

Economic Progress and Regional Engagement

The Afghan official stated that a local economy is emerging within the country and praised the improvement in relations with neighboring countries, particularly Iran.

 

“In recent years, Afghanistan became a regional security concern due to foreign presence, but now, stability prevails, which benefits the entire region,” he asserted.

 

Muttaqi reiterated that Afghanistan is pursuing a balanced foreign policy, and expressed gratitude to Iran for hosting Afghan refugees over the past four decades: “Iran has been a generous host to Afghan migrants through decades of upheaval, and we do not forget this kindness.”

 

Shared Challenges: Water and Narcotics

Addressing a question regarding the Hirmand water treaty, Muttaqi responded: “Even if the treaty didn’t exist, we would still fulfill our religious duty to ensure water reaches those in need.”

 

He acknowledged the severe drought conditions affecting both Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan and Afghanistan’s Nimruz and Helmand provinces.

 

He reassured the Iranian public of Afghanistan’s goodwill: “The people of Iran should rest assured that we have no ill intentions. We see it as our religious obligation to provide water to those who are suffering.”

 

Muttaqi also highlighted the shared challenge of drug trafficking, noting that it remains a significant issue requiring continued cooperation between Tehran and Kabul.