Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Visits Kabul, Briefs Afghan Officials On Talks With Taliban

Radiofarda – Iran’s deputy foreign minister on a visit to Afghanistan met senior government officials to brief them on Iran’s talks with Taliban representatives.

Abbas Araqchi on Saturday met Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman and informed them of Iran’s talks with a Taliban delegation that visited Tehran in late December.

During the Taliban visit Iran had announced that the Afghan government was informed about the initiative.

Taliban also issued a statement saying that “post-occupation” issues were discussed with Iran.

According to IRNA, Araqchi also held talks on economic relations; in particular the use of the Chabahar port in southeast Iran as an outlet for Afghanistan to open seas.

The Afghan presidential palace also announced that during Araqchi’s visit the importance of bilateral ties, as well as the peace process and the use of Chabahar were discussed.

President Ghani’s office also said that Iran’s deputy foreign minister gave assurances of Iran’s recognition of the Afghan government’s sovereignty in the peace process.