Iran’s Representative in the Conference of Revival of Afghanistan
NATO has been unable to solve the economic and security problems of Afghanistan
This high-ranking official of the Foreign Ministry, in response to the question of what the new proposals and initiatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this conference are, stated that the security problems of Afghanistan and even its economic problems are caused, in our (Iran’s) view, by the presence of foreign military forces. We believe that the presence of NATO forces not only has not helped to create security and economic development in this country, but has actually led to serious security problems.
The Director of the Special Office of Afghanistan of the Foreign Ministry further added that the insecurity of Afghanistan has prevented potential investing countries from putting a step forward in investments and the economic development of this country. Due to this reason, we believe that countries of the region must have an active participation so that when NATO forces leave Afghanistan we can play a role in relation with the economic and security development of this country through strengthening cooperation.
This Foreign Ministry official, in response to a question regarding the relations between Tehran and Kabul, said that those relations are very strong; they are friendly and stable, and the two countries have close relations at high levels and the presidents of both countries meet each other several times during the year in Tehran and Kabul or other countries, and at conferences.
He also stated that the volume of trade exchange between Iran and Afghanistan is about 2 billion dollars, and Iran hopes that, by taking necessary measures, this number will reach 3 billion dollars in the coming year.
Finally, he said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is host to about 3 million Afghan immigrants who live in Iran and we help them in various educational, health, and employment fields.