Afghanistan and Iran enjoy cordial historic, cultural, ethnic, lingual and neighborly ties. Both the countries share common strategic, historical, cultural and economic interests. In fact, Afghanistan and Iran should develop cooperation with Afghanistan bilaterally as well as at the regional level within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on the lines of the EU to reap the full benefits of regional cooperation. Afghanistan, therefore, is expected to have normal friendly relations with Iran and engage it in mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.
In order to renew Afghanistan’s ties with notable neighbor, President Karzai accompanying a large delegation paid a visit to Islamic Republic of Iran, previously. According to official statement issued by Presidential Palace in Kabul, the two presidents signed a comprehensive pact of friendship and cooperation between Tehran and Kabul in order to bolster mutual ties and trade.
Trade between the two nations has increased dramatically since the overthrow of the Taliban government in late 2001. Iran and Afghanistan planed on building a new rail line connecting Mashhad to Herat. In 2009, Iran was one of the largest investor in Afghanistan, which is mainly in the construction of roads and bridges as well as agriculture and health care that subsided gradually. According to the chairman of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Iran's exports to Afghanistan in 2008 stood at $800 million. Iran keeps a good market for variant products like fresh and dried fruits, minerals, precious stones, and spices. Significantly, the Iranian oil products, cement, construction material, carpets, home appliances, and detergents can be imported at a cheaper price provided that the Iran and US deal leads to progression. Iran can too import nuts, carpets, agricultural products as well as handicrafts from Afghanistan. The renewal of relationship may help Afghanistan improve its trade with Iran and earn and lots of revenue.
This meeting provided an opportunity to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to let his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai know about Iran’s reservations on the presence of US forces post 2014. Having adopted a reserved posture, Iran’s perverted demand can be deemed interference in Afghanistan’s foreign policy. Afghanistan is a sovereign country – devoid of anyone’s dictation the people of Afghanistan have decided their fate themselves.
The two premiers discussed many issues of common interests. On the need to protect environment and border cooperation, especially shared water resources, Karzai said Afghanistan adhered to all accords and agreements with Iran.
Iran played a decisive role and proved a hospitable neighbor keeping large number of Afghan emigrants on its land at the time when Afghans were hapless. Till date, a large number of Afghans have chosen to work in Iran, finding closed cultural linkages between two people. Nevertheless, the uncivilized treatment of Afghans, denial of their right to education and basic health are primary problems that need immediate attention.