KABUL: Iran and Afghanistan called for increased cooperation during a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Kabul on Sunday, marking the highest-level Iranian visit to the Afghan capital since the Taliban took control in 2021.
Araghchi met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Taliban Prime Minister Hassan Akhund during his one-day visit to discuss relations between the neighboring countries, which have tensions over issues like migration and water resources.
The two sides discussed economic cooperation, the situation of Afghan migrants in Iran, border issues, and water rights, according to a statement from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Araghchi praised the economic, trade, and political relations between the countries during his talks with Muttaqi, adding that he hoped, “during this trip, we will be able to further expand the ties in line with the national interests of both sides,” emphasizing security and economic spheres.
Muttaqi expressed hope that “Araghchi’s visit to Kabul would create further momentum in relations between the two countries and they would enter a new phase of bilateral relations,” according to the Afghan foreign ministry.
After the Taliban’s takeover, many countries closed their embassies or downgraded diplomatic relations with Kabul, but Iran has maintained active diplomatic relations with Afghanistan’s new rulers, although it has not officially recognized the Taliban government.
Water Resources and Migration
Tensions between the countries have risen in recent years over water resources and the construction of dams on the Helmand and Harirud rivers.
Araghchi emphasized that issues related to water and migration required expanded cooperation and called for full implementation of bilateral water agreements.
Muttaqi stated that the region is suffering from drought due to climate change, and Taliban authorities are “working to ensure that water reaches both sides of the Iran-Afghanistan border.”
Muttaqi and Akhund also called for improving the situation of Afghan migrants in Iran and for their “dignified” return to Afghanistan.
Afghan returnees from Iran have accused Iranian authorities of harassment, wrongful deportation, and physical abuse.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is repatriating illegal migrants “respectfully.”
Iran shares more than 900 kilometers (560 miles) of border with Afghanistan and hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, mostly Afghans fleeing decades of war.
The flow of Afghan migrants has increased since the Taliban took power.
Iranian media reported in September the construction of a wall along more than 10 kilometers of the eastern border with Afghanistan, the primary entry point for migrants.
Officials said additional measures to strengthen the border, including barbed wire and water-filled ditches, were being implemented to prevent “smuggling of fuel and goods, especially drugs,” and to stop “illegal immigration.”
