The best approach for the countries of the region to become rich and prosperous is through regional cooperation - president.gov.af

Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan met this afternoon with Foreign Minister of  the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mohammad Jawad Zarif.

The meeting was held at the Presidential Palace, where the two sides discussed security issues, fight against terrorism and extremism, joint counter-narcotics combat, Afghan refugees' problems, economic cooperation in various areas, particularly in transit and power.

President Ghani said, “We attach importance to Iran as a neighbor, in the short, mid and long terms, and bilateral relations between our countries are fundamental and based on knowledge, having deep historical, cultural and religious roots.” Stressing on regional integration, the President stated that the best approach for the countries of the region to become rich and prosperous is through regional cooperation.

President Ghani noted that Afghanistan's objective is to lay a cornerstone for regional cooperation.

The President said, “We are confronted with common threats and opportunities, and if we do not recognize the threats, we will face more problems”.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Dr. Zarif then congratulated on the introduction of the national unity government's Cabinet to Wolesi Jirga (Lower House), and called the day, a good day for the people of Afghanistan.

Dr. Zarif said, “With establishment of the national unity government, a new chapter of cooperation is opened between Afghanistan and Iran, and we are ready to cooperate with Afghanistan in all arenas”.

He added, “The challenges that we are facing today are joint, and we do not consider ourselves, Afghanistan's short-term partner”.

Dr. Zarif stated Iran stands ready to help Afghanistan as a strategic partner and added that peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan means peace, stability and prosperity in Iran.

Dr. Zarif also handed to President Ghani, an official invitation from Iran's President, which was accepted with thanks. It was also noted that the visit to Iran will take place in a convenient time.

At the end of the meeting, discussions were made on draft agreement of strategic cooperation between Afghanistan and Iran, and it was stated that once the agreement's content is prepared in an organized framework, it will be then signed respectively by the Presidents of the two countries, during President Ghani's upcoming visit to Iran.  Read More at President Ghani: The best approach

رئیس جمهور غنی: بهترین راه برای رفاه و ثروتمند شدن کشور های منطقه، گسترش همکاری های منطقوی می باشد