Iran’s Vice President Calls for Closer Ties With Afghanistan
Mohammad Reza Aref, Vice President of Iran, during a visit to Khorasan Province, called for strengthening cross-border relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan.
Mohammad Reza Aref, Vice President of Iran, during a visit to Khorasan Province, called for strengthening cross-border relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan.
He highlighted the significant opportunities that nations like Afghanistan and Pakistan present for Iran’s border provinces, including Khorasan.
Emphasising the crucial role of provincial governors in fostering these ties, Aref stated, “We hope Khorasan Razavi becomes a successful model for international cooperation.”
He further noted that President Pezeshkian’s administration aims to enhance the province’s position in national economic development and bolster its prominence in trade with neighbouring countries.
Aref also referred to the 300-million-strong market of the broader Iranian civilisational region, underlining Iran’s commitment to exporting goods and services, especially in technical and engineering sectors. He stressed the importance of mutual engagement with this market.
According to Aref, border provinces have the necessary authority to expand ties with neighbours. Central Asia, along with proximity to Afghanistan and Pakistan, offers valuable opportunities for Khorasan Razavi.
Pointing to shared cultural and historical links, Aref encouraged the full utilisation of these connections and expressed hope that, with effective management, the province could serve as a successful model for decentralising authority to other provinces.
These remarks come amid growing ties between officials in Iran’s Razavi and South Khorasan provinces and the Taliban in Herat and other Afghan border regions. Recently, the governor of South Khorasan announced plans to open an Iranian consulate in Farah and a Taliban consulate in Birjand.
Following deteriorating Taliban-Pakistan relations, Iran has emerged as Afghanistan’s most significant economic partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately USD 4 billion.
