Official Urges Economic Development of Iran-Afghanistan Border Areas
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani called for efforts to tackle poverty in the underdeveloped regions along common border with Afghanistan as a highly effective way to avert terrorist activities and ensure security of both nations.
Economic boom in the border areas and welfare services for the local residents will prevent the existence and activity of the terrorist groups and would ensure security of Iran and Afghanistan, Shamkhani said at a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Tehran on Monday.
He also stressed the need for closer cooperation between Tehran and Kabul in the battle against drug smuggling, human trafficking and criminal gangs, as well as coordination on the issue of joint water resources.
Shamkhani also highlighted the necessity for “active regional and international approaches” to uproot the causes of creation and spread of the terrorist groups, such as Daesh (ISIL), and their financial supporters.
For his part, Rabbani expressed Afghanistan’s determination to work with the friendly countries in the fight against extremism and terrorism.
The top Afghan diplomat arrived in Tehran on Sunday for an official visit. He has already met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
