KABUL, Afghanistan — The Iranian special envoy to Afghanistan emphasized water rights as a cornerstone for improving relations with the Taliban during a meeting with the Taliban’s foreign minister, the Iranian mission in Kabul announced.
In discussions with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Iranian Ambassador Hassan Kazemi Qomi highlighted the significance of water allocations from the Helmand River as fundamental to enhancing ties between Tehran and the Taliban.
The Taliban’s foreign ministry stated that Muttaqi acknowledged efforts to remove obstacles hindering the water flow from the Helmand River to Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan Province and expressed hope that the current water delivery would persist.
Additionally, Muttaqi reassured Qomi about the reduction in drought conditions following recent heavy rains, which have improved the flow into the Helmand River and onward to Sistan and Baluchistan, according to the statement.
This dialogue occurs amid prior contentious remarks by senior Iranian officials concerning the suspension of water flow from Afghanistan to Iran.
