President Ashraf Ghani met with the Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli

In the meeting, President Ghani said that the border between Afghanistan and Iran should be a point of economic and security cooperation.

He added that the government of Afghanistan has always been seeking to strengthen commercial relations with Iran, and wants to further expand all bilateral cooperation particularly after the agreement of Iran with the G 6+1.

The President said “we want to have clear progress in cooperation between the two countries so that the bilateral relations get further strengthened as the two countries face common opportunities and challenges.”

The President underscored that the government of Afghanistan has never been in denial of realities but has always sought solutions to problems.

The President stressed “we want to increase the number of customs centers along the border with Iran, which can not only lead to increased revenue for both sides but also contribute to the counter narcotics efforts and prevention of smuggling of illegal goods.”

Highlighting the problems of Afghan refugees as well, the President said the issue should be worked out in a clear framework and solutions be sought in a phased manner.

Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli also said Iran has brotherly and friendly relations with Afghanistan, and the government of Iran is committed to a future of friendship with Afghanistan.

He added “as a close neighbor, Iran believes that a threat to Afghanistan is in fact a threat to Iran.”

Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said that in order to solve economic and security problems, poverty and ignorance must be fought since the enemy attempts to take advantage of people through these two channels.

Mr. Fazli said that security of Afghanistan is also important for Iran, and in addition to the friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, the political leadership of Iran helps Afghanistan to ensure peace.

Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, Finance Minister Eklil Hakimi, National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar and Director General of the Office of Administrative Affairs Abdul Salaam Rahim were also present in the meeting.