Iran prioritizes security, progress of Afghanistan: Vahidi

Kabul, June 20, IRNA – Defense Minister Brigadier-General Ahmad Vahidi said that Iran prioritizes a secure and developed Afghanistan and it will do its best to help Afghans achieve their objectives.

Vahidi made the remark while addressing a joint press conference with his Afghan counterpart, Abdul Rahim Wardak in the Afghan capital city of Kabul on Sunday.

'People and government of Afghanistan are trying to build a secure, strong and developed Afghanistan and it is exactly what Iran's strategy is,' he added.

Vahidi noted that the Afghans need security and development more than anytime before.

'Security will not be achieved unless domestic potentials are utilized,' he added.

Referring to his two-day visit to Afghanistan, Vahidi noted that he has had very fruitful meetings with Afghan officials and discussed common issues and strengthening defense relations with high-ranking Afghan officials.

'It goes without saying that security and development of Afghanistan can only be achieved by using people's capabilities and have joint cooperation with countries of the region,' he added.

Abdul Rahim Wardak for his part said that joint Iran-Afghanistan cooperation will result in regional security and stability.

'Given the regional challenges, we believe that joint security and defense cooperation between Tehran and Kabul is of paramount importance,' Wardak added.

'Iran and Afghanistan have had close cooperation in different areas over past decades,' Wardak added.

He thanked Vahidi for accepting the official invitation to visit Afghanistan./end