Iranian FM visits Kabul to strengthen ties with Taliban

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Kabul on Sunday for a one-day visit, marking the highest-level engagement by an Iranian official with Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.The visit aims to bolster relations between the two neighboring countries and address mutual interests, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.Araghchi held talks with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and is scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar.Discussions are expected to focus on border security, political cooperation, and expanding economic ties, as reported by Iranian state media.Tensions between Iran and Afghanistan have risen in recent years, particularly over disputes regarding water rights and dam construction on the Helmand and Harirud rivers.Iran shares a 900-kilometer border with Afghanistan and hosts a significant population of Afghan refugees, estimated at over six million, many of whom fled decades of conflict.The flow of Afghan immigrants into Iran has surged since the Taliban took control in 2021.In response, Iran has taken measures to fortify its eastern border, including constructing a 10-kilometer wall, installing barbed wire, and creating water-filled ditches to address illegal immigration, smuggling, and drug trafficking.While Iran has maintained an active diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, it has not officially recognized the Taliban government.Iranian delegations, including a parliamentary team in August 2023, have visited Afghanistan to address issues such as water rights and other bilateral concerns.