Iran, Taliban Officials Discuss Expanding Economic and Security Cooperation

DID Press: Seyyed Hassan Mortazavi, deputy head of Iran’s embassy in Kabul, traveled to Mazar-i-Sharif and met with Yusuf Wafa, the Taliban-appointed governor of Balkh province, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, the development of a west-east corridor, cultural ties and border security.

Seyyed Hassan Mortazavi traveled to Mazar-i-Sharif following his visit last week to Kandahar, where he met with Mullah Shirīn, the Taliban-appointed governor of Kandahar.

During his meeting with Yusuf Wafa, Mortazavi stressed the importance of connecting a west-east corridor through Mazar-i-Sharif and the role of Iran and Afghanistan in accelerating and facilitating the route, according to Iranian and Afghan media reports.

Mortazavi also highlighted Mazar-i-Sharif’s historical significance and emphasized expanding shared cultural and linguistic ties between the two countries. He said Iran’s cultural and artistic community was prepared to visit the province and launch joint cultural and artistic projects.

Security along Afghanistan’s northern and western borders was another topic of discussion. Mortazavi called for cooperation among neighboring countries to address security concerns and promote peace and stability along Afghanistan’s borders.

He said Tehran considers stability in Afghanistan an extension of stability in Iran and that Iran is prepared to cooperate broadly on security and stability in Afghanistan. He also said Tehran rejects actions that could create insecurity or instability.

The meeting comes amid a series of recent contacts between Iranian officials and Taliban authorities focusing on economic, trade, transit and security cooperation.