Gharibabadi: Iran-Afghanistan Border Zone of Friendship and Cooperation

DID Press: Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, said during his trip to Afghanistan that borders between Iran and Afghanistan are “not fields of tension, but areas of cooperation, coexistence, and shared development.”

Gharibabadi met with senior Taliban officials, including Acting Minister of Borders and Tribes, the Head of Decree Enforcement, the Acting Minister of Water and Energy, and the Helmand River Commissioner.

Referring to deep historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two nations, he highlighted: “Iran-Afghanistan border is a border of friendship and collaboration and should serve as a foundation for stability, security, and progress for both countries.”

One of the key purposes of the visit, he said, was to revive the border markers renovation project, which had been halted for seven years. Both sides agreed to resume the project soon to reduce border disputes and enhance monitoring of movement, smuggling, and illegal activities.

On water issues, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the 1973 Helmand River Treaty and the guaranteed allocation of Iran’s water rights. The next meeting of the Helmand River commissioners will be held in Tehran to discuss Iran’s water share for the Hamoun wetlands and the legal regime of the Harirud River.

In the legal and judicial field, the two sides agreed that the list of Iranian prisoners in Afghanistan would be shared with Iran’s embassy to facilitate their transfer. Both sides also expressed readiness to exchange prisoners and extradite offenders.

Concluding his visit, Gharibabadi said: “Border, legal, and water cooperation between Tehran and Kabul benefits both nations and contributes to regional stability and security. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to expand cooperation in all areas based on mutual respect and adherence to bilateral agreements.”