Iran, Taliban Officials Discuss Border Cooperation In Kabul
Iranian and Taliban officials met in Kabul this week to discuss border cooperation, economic ties and the situation of Afghan migrants in Iran, both sides said.
The Iranian Embassy said Alireza Bikdeli, Tehran’s acting envoy, held talks with Noorullah Noori, the Taliban’s minister of borders, ethnicities and tribes. While the embassy released few details, the Taliban ministry said the discussions focused on building “mutual trust,” regional issues and strengthening political and economic relations.
According to the ministry, Bikdeli pledged continued cooperation with the Taliban and said Iran respects all neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan, while seeking closer ties.
The two sides also addressed the treatment of Afghan migrants in Iran. Noori urged that Afghans be treated “in line with Islamic and international principles,” the ministry said.
Iran has sharply accelerated deportations of Afghans since its war with Israel. Interior Minister Esmail Momeni said around 1.2 million have been expelled so far this year, with another two million expected to be deported by year’s end. He said an estimated six million Afghans currently live in Iran.
Earlier, Bikdeli said cooperation with Taliban officials had helped reduce delays and overcrowding at the Dogharoon border crossing for deported migrants.
