Afghan Top Diplomat Calls for United Int’l Campaign against Terrorism

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Kabul on Sunday after his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Rabbani said in the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on joint efforts to boost cooperation in various areas, including counter-terrorism.

“All countries should jointly and coordinately fight against terrorism,” he said, adding, “The Muslim countries have suffered the most from violent extremism.”

The minister further lauded Iran for hosting Afghan refugees, and noted that he and Zarif also discussed “Afghan refugees’ affairs and consular cooperation.”

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Zarif arrived in the Afghan capital on Sunday morning at the official invitation of his counterpart, Rabbani.

The top Iranian diplomat will have meetings with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah, and a number of other ranking officials.

The negotiations will reportedly focus on the ways to boost Tehran-Kabul bilateral relations, and on the latest regional and international developments.

Zarif’s trip to Afghanistan comes a few days after his visit to the other eastern neighbor, Pakistan.

Iranian officials have always referred to security as a common need for Iran and its neighbors, especially in the Middle East region.

Tehran has also voiced its commitment to finding a lasting solution to the problems of Afghan refugees.