Iran, Afghanistan vow to expand mutual security cooperation

Iran and Afghanistan stressed the need for the further expansion of mutual cooperation between Tehran and Kabul in all domains, particularly in security affairs. The issues was underlined in a meeting between Caretaker of Afghan Foreign Ministry Zarar Ahmad Othmani and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour in Kabul on Wednesday. The Afghan official thanked Iran for contributing to restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan. Othmani further stressed the necessity of broadening bilateral ties between Tehran and Kabul. Rahimpour, for his part, briefed the Afghan official on Iran’s principled policy on Afghanistan and said the neighboring country is a priority in Iran foreign policy. He noted that restoration of durable peace and stability in Afghanistan is one of the concerns of Iran and the country is ready to help establishment of security and lasting development in the country. Iran is one of the most important donors to Afghanistan which has kept its promises to help to the reconstruction of the war-hit country. Iran has built some roads, power transmission lines, and border stations, among the other infrastructure projects which would better link the two nations. Iran has also contributed more than $50mln annually to Afghan anti-narcotics efforts in the last decade.