Second Round of Talks on Iran-Afghan Strategic Ties

The second round of Iran-Afghanistan talks to draft a "comprehensive strategic relations" document was held in Kabul on Sunday. This round of talks revolved around security and water management, ISNA reported. The first round of talks was held in Tehran in June. The two countries had agreed to form separate committees in the areas of security, economy, culture, refugees and water to discuss mutual cooperation to draw up a long-term strategic relations document, whose outline was worked out during Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's daylong visit to Kabul on May 7. Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific Affairs Mohammad Ebrahim Rahimpour was in charge of the Water Committee. Hamoun Wetlands in eastern Iran, which are drying out as a result of poor water management in Afghanistan's Hirmand River that feeds the wetlands, were discussed during the talks. Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi also headed negotiations in the Security Committee, which was focused on reinforcing border security and fighting terrorism and drug trafficking. The other three committees were not represented in the first round of talks.