Iran, Afghanistan issue joint statement on expansion of cooperation

TEHRAN,July 11(MNA) – Iran and Afghanistan issued a joint statement on Tuesday pledging to expand their relations and not to allow any threat from their soil to be directed against the other side. The statement, which calls for further cooperation between the two countries in various areas, was signed by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Ershad Ahmadi, who visited Tehran from July 7 to 9. Following are excerpts of the text of the statement: - Both sides expressed satisfaction with the level of relations, described the continuation of consultative and political meetings as beneficial and effective, and emphasized the strengthening of and expansion of cooperation between the two friendly and brotherly countries in various spheres. - Both sides emphasized the strengthening of and continuation of cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism. - Both sides described the cultivation, production, and smuggling of illicit drugs as a serious problem, tackling which is beyond the capability of one country and necessitates further bilateral, regional, and international cooperation. - The Iranian side expressed support for the peace process in Afghanistan under the auspices of the Afghan government and with taking into account the terms of the country’s Constitution and stated, ‘A peaceful and stable Afghanistan can play a beneficial role in the development of trade between the two countries and in the region.’ - Both sides agreed to refrain from taking any measure or making a commitment that would threaten the security of the other side and pledged not to allow any threat from their soil to be directed against the other side.