Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has described the relations between Iran and Afghanistan as important from different aspects.

He stressed the need for establishing lasting security in Afghanistan and underlined the necessity of promoting cooperation with Afghanistan in terms of border security, avoiding tension in this area and preventing drug trafficking.

The Iranian foreign minister said the country’s right to the water of Helmand River is a chronic problem and the interim ruling group of Afghanistan must, for that matter, take practical measures to resolve the existing problems.

He then noted that the steps taken by Afghanistan are necessary but not sufficient, adding that the main criteria for Iran is tangible fulfilment of its right to the Helmand water.

As for the formation of an inclusive and participatory government in Afghanistan, Amirabdollahian said: “What we have proposed to the interested parties in Afghanistan during the last four decades is that all ethnic groups and factions should feel that Afghanistan belongs to them."

Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mottaqi for his part welcomed the issues raised by the Iranian foreign minister in the meeting. He said the interim government of Afghanistan is serious about fighting terrorism and making sure that no threat is posed to neighboring countries from inside Afghanistan.

Mottaqi gave assurances that the ruling establishment of Afghanistan will make each and every effort to restrict cultivation of drugs and narco-trafficking.

He also invited Amirabdollahian to visit Afghanistan.

The acting foreign minister of Afghanistan further underlined that the country’s interim government will abide by international treaties including the one which guarantees Iran’s right to the Helmand water. He also outlined the latest measures the ruling establishment of Afghanistan has taken to that end. (ILKHA)