Mohammad Reza Hashemi, Governor of Iran’s South Khorasan province, has announced that more than 70 per cent of the medicines used in Afghanistan are supplied by Iranian pharmaceutical companies.
Speaking on Sunday evening, Hashemi described a recent visit by an Iranian delegation to Afghanistan as “successful,” noting that opportunities for Afghan investors in Iran are set to expand.
The governor’s visit to Herat and Farah provinces last week was part of a broader mission led by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister. The delegation included the Director General for South Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, and other senior officials. Their discussions with local Taliban authorities focused on enhancing trade and transit cooperation.
Hashemi stated that the visit spotlighted investment prospects in South Khorasan, and that Afghan investors responded positively to the initiatives proposed.
He added that more than 38 per cent of Iran’s exports last year were facilitated through the Mahirood border crossing. However, he stressed that the Mahirood–Farah highway remains incomplete after 15 years. “Completing this route is now our top priority,” he said.
In an effort to further boost bilateral trade, the governor invited Afghan traders to take part in the Iran–Afghanistan Trade Exhibition, scheduled to be held in South Khorasan from 9 to 12 June.
In a symbolic gesture during the visit, the Iranian delegation also attended Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque of Herat. Commenting on the occasion, Hashemi remarked, “By attending Sunni Friday prayers, we emphasised that Iran holds special respect for the people of Afghanistan. The Islamic Republic is the only country that has provided full security for Afghan nationals.”
He further expressed South Khorasan’s willingness to attract Afghan investment, particularly in the renewable energy sector. “We are prepared to offer opportunities for establishing solar power plants in the province to Afghan investors,” he said.
Iran has increasingly prioritised the development of ties with Afghanistan’s western provinces, including Herat, Farah, and Nimroz. As part of this policy, greater administrative authority has been granted to Iranian provincial governments to deepen trade and transit cooperation with Afghan counterparts. Plans are also underway to establish an Iranian consulate in Farah province.
