Localization of Security in Afghanistan

Speaking before a conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Iran’s foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi, while emphasizing the localization of security in Afghanistan, expressed Iran’s readiness to help in the reconstruction of that country. He also said, “The Islamic Republic will not stop at any cost to reach this goal, and will move in the direction of development, progress, and stability in Afghanistan.”

Salehi also explained, “Afghanistan is Iran's brother and neighbor, and stability, security, and sustainable development in this country is of great importance to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and therefore the Islamic Republic of Iran supports regional and international meetings with the goal of strengthening stability and development in Afghanistan, and Iran itself has initiated regional summits such as the summit of neighboring countries and multilateral meetings.”

The foreign minister went on to say, “Within the framework of good neighborliness and based on the decisions made at the Tokyo, Berlin, and London meetings, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken up an active cooperation role in different aspects of reconstruction in Afghanistan, and has completely fulfilled its commitments regarding reconstruction in this country.”

Salehi also stressed the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran for global participation in economic development in Afghanistan and declared Iran's readiness for any constructive participation in economic initiatives looking to enhance regional cooperation. He also mentioned the distinct and constructive role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the reconstruction of the substructures of Afghanistan during the last decade.

Additionally, he pointed out the practical commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to active participation in the reconstruction of Afghanistan in international conferences, Iran’s aid in substructure facilities such as the building of roads, railways, bridges, providing the energy needed for electricity, and also technological and educational services such as the dispatch of educational advisors, student scholarships, writing and publishing of textbooks, and equipping libraries. He once again reiterated Iran’s readiness for an all-round reconstruction of Afghanistan.