AfghanistanAsia-Pacific

Iran Majlis speaker warns against rise of extremism in Afghanistan

Iran Majlis speaker
Iran Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has warned against the resurgence of extremist groups in Afghanistan, calling for a concerted effort by Iran and India to avert the growing threat.

At a Wednesday meeting with speaker of the lower house of the Indian parliament, Meira Kumar, in New Delhi, Larijani pointed to the close views of Iran and India on global issues, adding, “A calm and stable Afghanistan is of high importance to both countries (Iran and India), but the prospect [for stability in Afghanistan] in not very bright.”

“Some of the measures taken in Afghanistan over the past few months have been a setback,” he added.

Larijani warned against any revival of extremism in Afghanistan as a result of clandestine negotiations with the extremist groups and called on Tehran and Delhi to take “further strides” toward resolution of this issue.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of tens of thousands of US-led troops.

Larijani also pointed to the vast cultural commonalities between Iran and India and underscored the importance of cultural ties as an effective element for further expansion of mutual relations.

The Indian parliament speaker, for her part, underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for India and expressed concern over the revival of terrorists and extremist groups in the country.

Kumar also urged Iran to cooperate with India in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

She called for further enhancement of Iran-India ties and noted that the two countries’ mutual trade has the potential to exceed USD16 billion.

Back to top button