KABUL: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei says Tehran’s relations with Kabul are expanding across various sectors and that the issue of formally recognizing Afghanistan’s government should not prevent the two countries from developing and strengthening their ties.
Speaking at a Foreign Ministry press conference on Monday, Baghaei said relations between Iran and Afghanistan remain at a good level in various areas and that Tehran is committed to maintaining and strengthening them.
Highlighting the historical, cultural and religious ties between the two neighboring Muslim countries, he said Iran and Afghanistan should take each other’s concerns into account and make greater use of existing economic and trade opportunities.
Regarding Tehran’s position on formally recognizing Afghanistan’s government, Baghaei described the matter as a “legal-political issue” and said Iran would announce its decision once it reaches the necessary conclusions.
He stressed that, regardless of the recognition issue, Tehran will continue and further strengthen its relations with Afghanistan in various fields.
Baghaei added that the question of recognition should not lead to a suspension of bilateral relations or undermine efforts to expand cooperation between the two countries.