TEHRAN — Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s special envoy for Afghanistan, at the inaugural meeting of the Doha process working group on Thursday called for a comprehensive strategy to address the escalating drug crisis in Afghanistan, which remains a major concern for the region.
According to Iranian media, Qomi underscored the need for a holistic approach that tackles the issue from political, economic, and social dimensions.
“The fight against narcotics in Afghanistan is a complex challenge,” he said. “This crisis is directly linked to political stability, economic conditions, livelihoods, and infrastructure development in Afghanistan.”
Regional cooperation urged
The meeting, held yesterday with representatives from several countries, focused on formulating collaborative strategies to combat drug production and trafficking in Afghanistan. Mr. Kazemi Qomi emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, stating that effective solutions require engagement and resource-sharing among neighboring nations.
“Iran will actively participate in advancing regional projects and initiatives in Afghanistan,” he said, adding that Iran stands ready to collaborate with other nations.
He also advocated for leadership on these efforts to come from countries in the region, particularly Iran and Pakistan. According to Iranian media reports, this proposal received support from Pakistan’s representative, with both delegations expressing willingness to lead the next phase of discussions.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its participation in the working group, which forms part of the Doha Process. The ministry noted that attendees discussed a roadmap to address the humanitarian and economic needs of the Afghan people.
