Iran Supports Afghanistan’s Independence and Stability, Says Iranian Official

Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, met Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister, on Sunday, and said that Iran supports the independence, stability, and progress of Afghanistan.

According to ISNA, Ahmadian stressed on cooperation with the Taliban in various fields, including commercial and industrial affairs, transportation, agriculture, and Iran’s water rights.

According to the report, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran has appreciated the position of the Taliban towards Palestine.

Iran, like other countries, does not officially recognise the Taliban. Nevertheless, despite tensions on water rights issues, it maintains a close relationship with the Taliban.

In this meeting, Abdul Ghani Baradar asked for the development of economic and commercial cooperation, especially the activation of the transit sector, Chabahar port, and an increase in air transportation.

According to ISNA, Baradar emphasised on their commitment to implementing agreements between Afghanistan and Iran, especially in the water management issues, and considered the economic development of the border regions and joint investments for the mutual interests of both sides.

Before this meeting, Baradar had met with Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the Iranian Foreign Minister, after which Abdollahian had said that Afghanistan is considered important in the foreign policy of Iran. He also discussed the issue of Afghan immigrants in Iran and the issue of Iran's water rights.

Baradar arrived in Tehran leading a delegation of 30 people on Saturday at the invitation of the Iranian government.

This is Mullah Baradar's first visit to Iran in the last two years. He had previously traveled to Tehran as the head of the political office of the Taliban in Doha.