Iran's President: Intra-Afghan political talks solution to Afghanistan's problems

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Supporting the efforts made to establish peace, stability and security in Afghanistan by the High Council for National Reconciliation, the President said, "Peace, stability and lasting security in Afghanistan, as a neighbour and brother country, are of special importance to the Islamic Republic of Iran”.

Speaking on Monday in a meeting with Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, Dr Hassan Rouhani stated that during the period that Afghanistan was facing foreign aggression, the Iranian nation and government stood by the government and people of this country, adding, "We hope that lasting peace and security will be established in this country and that the people of Afghanistan will live in peace”.

Expressing hope for the success of the High Council for National Reconciliation’s efforts to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan, the President said, "It is important that the people of Afghanistan achieve a real peace after years of war and conflict to maintain their achievements, and the solution to this problem is political talks and intra-Afghan negotiations”.

Dr Rouhani stated that the US intervention and presence, as an aggressor in Afghanistan, was not in line with the will and opinion of the people of this country, adding, "The US government, which has failed in its policies in the region and the world, seeks its own electoral interest from peace talks in Afghanistan”.

Referring to the good relations between Iran and Afghanistan as two friendly and neighbouring countries, the President stressed the development and deepening of Tehran-Kabul relations and said, "Long-term agreement between the two countries can develop and deepen relations in all areas”.

Referring to the opening of the Khaf-Herat railway in the coming days, Dr Rouhani said that the connection of the Iranian and Afghan railways would strengthen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and added, "Iran is ready to connect the gas and oil pipelines to Afghanistan to enable the people of this country to use these types of energy”.

In the end, the President emphasised, "As we have always stood by the people of Afghanistan, we will continue to support this country in all aspects and ethnic groups and peace groups, and we hope to see lasting security in this country".

Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah also appreciated the support and positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding developments and efforts to establish lasting peace and security in this country and said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is a good friend and neighbour of Afghanistan".

Abdullah also thanked Iran for hosting Afghan refugees during the years of war and conflict in the country and said, "During my visit to Tehran, I had good meetings with the officials of the Islamic Republic and I will send the message of Iranian support to Kabul and follow the agreements between the two countries”.

The Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan expressed hope that with the support and positions of Iran, the Afghan peace talks would come to a conclusion and lasting security and peace would establish in the country.

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