WANA (Jan 26) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, who is visiting Kabul for discussions with officials of Afghanistan’s Interim Government, met with Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, the Minister of National Defense of Afghanistan and discussed the relationship between Afghanistan and Iran, particularly in the areas of defense and security.

 

Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the relevant authorities of both countries to maintain and enhance security along their shared borders, highlighting the interconnectedness of the security of neighboring countries.

 

Araghchi also reviewed some of the existing concerns and challenges, including issues related to drug trafficking, terrorism, and illegal border crossings. He underscored that effectively addressing these concerns requires close cooperation and coordination between the relevant agencies in both countries.

 

The Minister of National Defense of Afghanistan, in turn, expressed appreciation for Iran’s positive approach toward the Afghan people, particularly Iran’s warm hospitality in hosting millions of Afghan refugees over the past 46 years. He deemed the good and friendly relations between Afghanistan and Iran to be highly valuable.

 

The Afghan defense minister also highlighted the ongoing efforts of Afghanistan’s Interim Government to combat insecurity and terrorism. He called for enhanced information exchange and greater coordination to prevent and counter these harmful phenomena.

 

Regarding border security, the Afghan Defense Minister emphasized Afghanistan’s commitment to strengthening border security, including improving the professional capabilities of the country’s border forces, modernizing border markers, and increasing cooperation with Iran’s border forces.

 

Following the meeting, Araghchi toured downtown Kabul, where he visited several shops. He later stopped at a café, where he enjoyed lemon tea and baklava.