Iranian Foreign Minister's Visit to Kabul; Beginning of a New Chapter in Political and Economic Relations with Afghanistan

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Tehran: The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran arrived in Kabul this Sunday morning, Jan 26, with the aim of strengthening political, economic and cultural relations between Iran and Afghanistan. This visit, which was carried out in line with the macro policies of the 14th Iranian government to prioritize interaction with neighbors, has been widely welcomed by the authorities of the Islamic Emirate. The presence of a delegation of economic activists on this visit indicates Iran's special attention to the economic dimensions of these interactions.

Iran's 14th Government's Approach to Afghanistan: Active and Pragmatic Diplomacy
IRNA News Agency published an article about the importance of this trip and wrote: Previously, some experts considered Afghanistan's position in the foreign policy of the 14th Government of Iran to be of little importance, but the appointment of Alireza Bekdali as the head of the Iranian embassy in Kabul and his extensive activities have indicated a significant change in the approach of the Iranian diplomatic apparatus. Bekdali's meetings with high-ranking officials of the Islamic Emirate, including Maulvi Abdul Kabir, Maulvi Amir Khan Mottaqi, and Sirajuddin Haqqani, indicate a serious determination to strengthen relations.
With this trip, the Iranian Foreign Minister clearly showed that Afghanistan is of particular importance to Iran's foreign policy. Alireza Bekdali's recent remarks about focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation also confirm this issue.

Economy; the main axis of Iran-Afghanistan cooperation
According to the author, the Iranian Foreign Minister's visit is taking place at a time when economic cooperation between the two countries has a special status. Afghanistan, as one of Iran's most important export markets, has imported more than two to three billion dollars of goods from Iran in recent years. Also, the trade balance between the two countries has always been in favor of Iran.
According to experts, the Afghan economic market has provided an exceptional opportunity for investments by the Iranian public and private sectors due to its infrastructure and development needs. Areas such as transportation, transit, mining industries, agriculture and health can become areas of beneficial cooperation for both countries.

Chabahar; the key to economic interaction between Iran and Afghanistan
The note continues: One of the main axes of economic cooperation between Iran and Afghanistan is the use of the capacities of Chabahar port. Afghan authorities have repeatedly emphasized the importance of this port for exporting their goods to global markets. During this visit, agreements are expected to be signed to expand transit infrastructure and transport goods through this port.

Prospects for Political and Economic Relations
Accordingly, the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Kabul, with its emphasis on economic and political diplomacy, could be a turning point in bilateral relations. In a situation where other countries, including Asian and European powers, are trying to benefit from Afghanistan’s economic potential, Iran’s active presence in this area is of additional importance.
In addition, Afghanistan, by pursuing a policy of economic development and strengthening regional cooperation, views Iran as a strategic partner. These interactions can contribute to the economic and political security of the two countries and be effective in solving common challenges.
Therefore, the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Kabul, accompanied by a delegation of economic activists, is a serious step towards strengthening historical and economic relations between Iran and Afghanistan. This visit will not only pave the way for the implementation of previous agreements, but also provide an opportunity to launch new projects and expand bilateral interactions. With both sides looking positively at this cooperation, a bright future is predicted for relations between the two countries.