Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Kabul, Tehran Need Joint Dialogue to Crush Terrorists: Ghani

Kabul, Tehran Need Joint Dialogue to Crush Terrorists: Ghani

KABUL - At the head of a high-level delegation, President Ghani on Saturday morning flew to Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian president, Dr. Hassan Rouhani.
Rouhani promised cooperation in strengthening Afghanistan’s security situation besides pledging support to other sectors during his meeting with President Ghani, a statement from the Presidential Palace said.
Ghani, congratulating Rouhani on his success, said: “You also had gone through the bitter experience of war and damages triggered by it, so you can better understand our situation.”
The statement quoted Ghani as saying: “The war direction has change, terrorist groups after facing defeat in Iraq’s Mosul City, have now targeted regional countries and opened illegitimate routes of smuggling and illicit movement”
He told his Iranian counterpart: “We need to jointly discuss crushing of terrorist groups, especially Daesh militant outfit.”
“We have so far strongly fought Daesh in Afghanistan and anti-Daesh military operations are still ongoing. As a result, the ‘enemy’ after being beaten on the battlefield has now resorted to attacking sacred places, such as mosques.”
President Ghani called for joint cooperation to secure the shared border between the two countries, adding smugglers and criminal economy mafia wanted to insecure the border.
Ghani dubbed railway tracks, transit trade and Chabahar Port as vital connections between Afghanistan and Iran. “We want to turn Afghanistan into a connectivity centre between Iran and Central Asia and China.”
Both the sides also conferred on problems ranging from drug smuggling to environment protection and addiction to drugs, the statement said.
The Afghan leader was expected to meet some Afghan traders residing in Iran this noon before attending the swearing-in ceremony of President Rouhani in the evening.
According to the statement, President Rouhani, while welcoming President Ghani, offered his sympathies to the government and people of Afghanistan over recent terrorist incidents.
Rouhani said Afghanistan and Iran were brotherly nations and enjoyed common culture. He said Iran valued its relations with Afghanistan. “Afghanistan’s security is significant for us and Iran is ready to help Afghanistan in the security sector.”
He said Iranians had the experience of imposed war and could understand Afghanistan’s current situation. “We are in favour of more and improved bilateral ties. The extension of railway track from Iran to Herat and also the Chabahar Port can be a connection point of bilateral cooperation.”
Rouhani promised the Afghanistan-Iran border would be changed into a cooperative and friendship border, expressing keen interest in helping Afghanistan in areas of mines, industry, trade and education.
Hassan Rouhani, while referring to the joint committees which started functioning a while ago between the countries, said: “I hope these committees finish their works soon and reach a comprehensive-documented agreement in areas of culture, trade, security, economy and other sectors.” (Pajhwok)