FM Calls For Enhanced Tehran-Kabul Ties

Tehran, Sept 7, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday stressed the need for further promotion of relations between Iran and Afghanistan in all areas. Zarif made the remarks in a meeting with Afghanistanˈs newly-appointed consul general to Zahedan, Abdolrahim Nikpour, during which the Afghan diplomat submitted his credentials to the foreign minister. Zarif referred to langual, historical and religious commonalities as well as neighborhood as important factors contributing to strategic relations between the two nations. He called for bilateral cooperation in different areas, including transportation, fight against drug trafficking and shortage of water. The foreign minister expressed hope that problems related to the recent presidential elections in Afghanistan would be removed soon and the new government would be established at the earliest. Meanwhile, the new Afghan consul general in Zahedan said he would do his best to deepen relations and increase trade between the two neighboring countries. Afghanistanˈs Ambassador to Iran, Nasir Ahmad Nour, who was also present at the meeting, appreciated Iranˈs stands in regard to presidential elections recently held in Afghanistan./end