Extremism and terrorism are the most important contributors which do not let regional states converge, said the interior minister on Thursday, as he met Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah.
Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, who was in Kabul to attend the 6th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan, said, "Establishment of the national unity government in Afghanistan has created suitable opportunities to further improve relations between the two countries at various levels," IRNA reported.
Stressing Iran's priority to enhance political, economic and security relations with neighboring countries, the official said, "Joint efforts need to be made to curb the inhumane and anti-Islamic wave of extremism."
Rahmani Fazli expressed hope that regional states, including Afghanistan, would take balanced and reciprocal measures to pave the way for opening a new chapter of relations. According to the minister, the experience over the past decade in the region has proven that the failure of extremist movements such as Daesh (the Arabic acronym for the so-called Islamic State militant group) is certain and that violence will backfire on those who have been behind its spread.
Appreciating Iran's support of Afghans, the chief executive officer of Afghanistan reiterated that such backing has been indicative of Iran's good intention and patience.
"Extremist movements, one of which is Daesh, have always had detrimental effects on the region, especially our country," Abdullah said, noting that Iran has valuable experience in tackling chaotic situations and has played a key role in countering the impact of extremism."
In a separate meeting with his Afghan counterpart Nur ul-Haq Ulumi, Rahmani Fazli said, "Iran's police force is willing to share its experience with its Afghan counterpart."
Underscoring the fact that corruption and insecurity are rooted in poverty, the official stated, "Providing lasting security is all dependent on promoting welfare in society, which explains why we ought to do our best to restore peace to the region."
Rahmani Fazli also met Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of RECCA and the two sides exchanged views on expanding bilateral ties as well as ways to settle issues which impede developing bilateral relations.
Officials from more than 30 countries and 40 international organizations on Thursday started a two-day regional conference in Kabul to discuss ways of rebuilding war-ravaged Afghanistan's finances. Opening the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai touched on key policy themes of the conference, including inter-regional trade, synchronized customs, border routines and market expansion, emphasizing the need for enhanced regional economic and transportation cooperation.
"Afghanistan is ready and open for cooperation with all countries of the region in various fields such as labor exchanges, energy and infrastructure," he said.
