Inclusive political solution best guarantee for lasting peace in Afghanistan: Iran’s FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reiterated that a comprehensive political solution is key to lasting peace in Afghanistan, underlying the need for a complete withdrawal of American forces from the war-ravaged country.

Speaking at a meeting with the Afghan president's national security advisor, Hamdullah Mohib, in Tehran on Tuesday, Zarif said extending support to neighboring Afghanistan is a fundamental policy of the Islamic Republic.

“We regard an inclusive political solution with the participation of all Afghan groups as the best guarantee for sustainable peace in the country,” the top Iranian diplomat said.

In a statement in September, Iran’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the launch of long-delayed direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban militant group in the Qatari capital of Doha and said the withdrawal of foreign forces was a prerequisite for peace and security in Afghanistan.

The ministry added that the Islamic Republic believes that there is no military solution to the problems in Afghanistan and views the continued presence of foreign forces as the main source of instability in the country.

Withdrawal of foreign troops, inevitable prerequisite for Afghan peace, security: Iran

Iran welcomes the intra-Afghan talks but says foreign forces’ withdrawal is an inevitable prerequisite for peace in the country.

In the meeting, Zarif highlighted the importance of consultations between Iran and Afghanistan at the bilateral, regional and international levels and hailed the recent opening of the Khaf-Herat railroad as a chance to further boost bilateral cooperation.

The historic joint railway project -- which links eastern Iran to western Afghanistan -- was inaugurated on December 10, with presidents of the two neighboring countries delivering remarks through video-conference and expressing hope it would enhance trade links across the region.

For his part, Mohib commended Iran’s support for the Afghan government and nation and called for the expansion of political, economic, cultural and security cooperation with Tehran.

Pointing to the inauguration of the Khaf-Herat railroad, the Afghan official expressed hope that such connecting routes would strengthen regional cooperation.

Iran, Afghanistan inaugurate joint railway project

Khaf-Herat railway project linking eastern Iran to western Afghanistan was inaugurated on Thursday.

The historic joint railway project -- which links eastern Iran to western Afghanistan -- was inaugurated on December 10, with presidents of the two neighboring countries delivering remarks through video-conference and expressing hope it would enhance trade links across the region.

For his part, Mohib commended Iran’s support for the Afghan government and nation and called for the expansion of political, economic, cultural and security cooperation with Tehran.

Pointing to the inauguration of the railroad, the Afghan official expressed hope that such connecting routes would strengthen regional cooperation.

Zarif and Mohib also discussed ways to enhance political, economic and security cooperation, including a meeting of Iran-Afghanistan Joint Commission and implementing joint projects especially in the field of water resources.

Iran says resolved to stop US destabilizing acts, force pullout from region

Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani has said Iran is resolved to stop the United States and its stooges from committing acts of terrorism and destabilizing the region and to eventually force a complete US troop withdrawal.

Mohib arrived in Tehran on Tuesday for an official day-long visit. Earlier in the day he held talks with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani.

Read more: 

• Trump says to withdraw forces from Afghanistan by year's end

• NATO refuses to commit to withdrawal from Afghanistan

• US-Taliban deal does not serve Afghan people interests: Zarif

   

   

  
   

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