Afghan Delegation in 'Strategic Partnership' Talks

Officials from Iran and Afghanistan held the first round of talks on "strategic partnership" as part of efforts to boost relations between the two neighbors in diverse areas. The negotiations were held in Tehran on Sunday with a 35-member delegation of Afghan deputy ministers and other high-ranking officials comprising five committees, Tasnim News Agency reported. The meeting concentrated on drafting a "comprehensive strategic partnership" document, exploring avenues for closer interaction in such areas as security, defense, economy, culture and education. Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour welcomed two-way relations as close, and expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to a "win-win" agreement in line with reciprocal interest. The meeting was planned during a recent visit to Kabul by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.