Kabul: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has described its relations with Russia and Iran as positive and expressed optimism about further strengthening these ties, particularly in economic and political matters.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, highlighted the growing cooperation between Afghanistan and the two nations. "We value our good relations with Russia and Iran and appreciate their constructive approach toward Afghanistan. There has been noticeable progress in our economic and political engagements, and we hope to deepen these ties even further," Fitrat stated.
His remarks came after a meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia and Iran in Tehran, where Afghanistan was a key topic of discussion.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, emphasized the significance of regional cooperation in addressing Afghanistan's issues. He noted that Moscow remains actively engaged in Afghanistan-related affairs through platforms such as the "Moscow Format" and consultations with neighboring countries.
Lavrov highlighted ongoing collaboration between Russia, Iran, China, and Pakistan on Afghanistan, underscoring the importance of keeping the country on the international agenda. "We have successfully engaged in economic discussions, including the Economic Forum in January, and continue to work within various diplomatic frameworks to support stability in Afghanistan," he said.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s commitment to ongoing dialogue with Russia regarding Afghanistan. "Afghanistan remains an important subject of discussion between our countries. We have maintained consistent consultations on this matter and will continue to do so in the future," he affirmed.
Political analysts believe Afghanistan should pursue balanced international relations to avoid becoming entangled in geopolitical rivalries. Moeen Gul Samkanai, a political expert, warned against a repeat of Cold War-era tensions, which had devastating consequences for Afghanistan in the past.
Previously, Lavrov had also accused the United States of seeking to maintain its influence in Afghanistan by leveraging neighboring countries to achieve its strategic goals.
