Iran Resolved to Help Afghanistan in Anti-Terror Campaign: Minister
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami expressed deplored terrorist activities in neighboring Afghanistan and reiterated that Tehran is determined to assist Kabul in the fight against terrorism.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully aware of security situation and threats in Afghanistan, and we are sorry over the terrorist acts in this country that hurt the feeling of every human being,” Brigadier General Amir Hatami said at a joint press conference with Afghanistan's Defense Minister General Tariq Shah Bahrami in Tehran on Monday.
“The Islamic Republic (of Iran) is committed to fighting terrorism,” the defense minister said, adding, “We regard the security of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as our own security and will provide any help we can in the fight against terrorism with all our power.”
He further emphasized that the development of bilateral relations with neighboring and friendly countries is among Iran’s principled policies.
The Afghan defense minister, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the Iranian people and government for their “unconditional support” for Afghanistan over the past 40 years and said the people of his country are always grateful for this support.
Heading a military delegation, the Afghan defense minister has been in Tehran for military and political negotiations.
Back in March, a high-ranking military delegation from Afghanistan visited Iran for talks on the bilateral relations, defense cooperation and border issues.
During the trip, the Afghan officials met with Iran’s defense minister, border police commander, and the deputy foreign minister for political affairs.
In February, the defense ministers of Iran and Afghanistan called for efforts to enhance bilateral and regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism given the relocation of terrorist groups from Syria and Iraq to Afghanistan.