KABUL, Afghanistan — Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, met with Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Taliban’s chief minister, during a visit to Kabul on Sunday. The meeting emphasized diplomatic, political, and economic cooperation between the two neighboring nations, according to a Taliban statement.
The statement said that the Taliban’s chief minister welcomed Araghchi and his delegation, highlighting the importance of such visits in fostering stronger bilateral relations between the “two brotherly Muslim nations.”
Araghchi underscored the historical, religious, and economic connections between Iran and Afghanistan, according to the statement.
“We are pleased to see nationwide security in Afghanistan after four decades,” he said, adding that high-level diplomatic engagement demonstrates Iran’s strong ties with the Taliban.
He added that the stability and security of Iran are closely tied to Afghanistan’s. “Recent developments in Afghanistan lead us to conclude that collaboration with the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) must expand further.”
Migration and water disputes
The Iranian foreign minister also addressed issues concerning Afghan migrants in Iran and the long-standing Helmand River water dispute, the Taliban statement said.
He emphasized the need to use these challenges as opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to facilitating the dignified return of undocumented Afghan migrants and called for the full implementation of the Helmand River Agreement to resolve water concerns.
Calls for dialogue and cooperation
The Taliban chief minister, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, welcomed “greater engagement” between the two nations and expressed a commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue, the statement said.
“Living in a spirit of brotherhood and maintaining ties will strengthen our relationship and promote the welfare of both nations,” he said.
Akhund assured Iran that Afghanistan would act in good faith regarding the water dispute, adding that his administration had no intention of harming Iran’s interests. He also urged Iranian authorities to treat Afghan migrants according to Islamic and fraternal principles.
The Taliban chief minister raised concerns about the treatment of Afghan migrants in Iran, pointing to incidents of detention and mistreatment, including executions, which have provoked public outrage. He urged Iranian authorities to uphold good neighborly relations and treat Afghan citizens with kindness.
Iran’s foreign ministry has not commented on the details of the meeting provided by the Taliban.
