FM Muttaqi, his Iranian counterpart hold talks on bilateral economic relations, water issues

KABUL: Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, met with his Iranian counterpart Sayed Abbas Araghchi, here in Kabul.
In the meeting, the two sides also discussed strengthening bilateral economic relations, the situation of Afghan immigrants in Iran, common borders and water issues.
Welcoming his Iranian counterpart, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed hope that such visits would bolster the relations between the two countries.
“After the establishment of the Islamic Emirate and the improvement of the security situation in the country, Afghanistan has become the owner of reliable security after several decades of war, and this is in the interest of the entire region,” said Minister Muttaqi.
In the meeting, Minister Muttaqi asked the Iranian government to treat well with Afghan immigrants living in Iran, emphasizing that the dignified return of the migrants is the responsibility and top priority of the Islamic Emirate.
He further said: “The whole region was suffering from drought due to climate change, and Afghanistan was also a victim of drought. We view the people of Helmand, Nimroz, and Sistan and Baluchestan as one and strive to ensure that water reaches both sides.”
Meanwhile, Sayed Abbas Araghchi said that security and stability in Afghanistan actually means stability in Iran and added that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has made good progress over the past more than three years.
This visit to Kabul means the beginning of a new path in the relations between the two countries and bilateral relations are entering a new phase, he said, calling the Afghan government’s fight against narcotics effective, suggesting that the relevant bodies of the two countries share their experiences in the fight against narcotics.
Considering the water issue as a humanitarian matter, the Iranian Foreign Minister said: “Water should become an issue of cooperation and the two sides should have technical cooperation in this regard.”