Don’t Support Taliban’s Opponents, Wish To Expand Relations With Group, Says Iran’s Envoy
Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, met the Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban, Abdul Kabir, on Sunday.
Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, met the Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban, Abdul Kabir, on Sunday.
As per the Taliban's statement, Qomi conveyed Iran's stance and assured the group’s official that Iran does not back the opponents of the Taliban and is actively working towards integrating Afghanistan into the regional framework.
He emphasised that efforts aimed at creating discord between Iran and Afghanistan will not succeed.
Even though Iran does not recognise the government of the Taliban and insists on the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, the country has expanded its political and economic relations with the Taliban over the last two years.
Iran is one of the first countries that handed over the Afghan embassy in Tehran to the Taliban following the took over of power by the group.
During the meeting with Qomi, Kabir considered the policy of the Taliban as “positive role for the security and stability of the region" and said that "there is no danger to anyone from Afghanistan, including Iran”.
This Taliban official pointed out that Afghanistan poses no threat to Iran, which is in contrast to the US intelligence claims of ISIS’s Afghanistan branch being involved in recent suicide attacks in Kerman, Iran.
The Taliban-controlled Al-Mirsaad website refuted the US claims, highlighting their efforts in suppressing ISIS in Afghanistan. The website stated that ISIS leaders are located in various regional countries.
Meanwhile, in this meeting, Qomi also mentioned Iran's efforts for regional joint transit and said that by using these opportunities, Afghan goods will reach Turkey and the markets of European countries directly.
The Iranian official, in the meeting, discussed the willingness of Iranian investors to collaborate in the agricultural sector with their Afghan counterparts.
Abdul Kabir, on his part, spoke about the Taliban's focus on an "economy-oriented" policy, expressing a desire for Afghanistan to become a pivotal hub for economic stability and regional development.
