Iran ready to back any regional initiative on Afghanistan: FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has announced the Islamic Republic’s readiness to contribute to the advancement of regional initiatives on the issue of Afghanistan under the auspices of the United Nations.

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks during a meeting with Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Coordinator for the independent assessment process on Afghanistan, on Monday.

He said the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and fighting against terrorism are important, emphasizing the need to support regional initiatives, particularly the framework of neighbors, in order to resolve the challenges in the war-torn country.  

“Afghanistan needs urgent solutions and if the international community does not pay serious attention to the security challenges of this country caused by the movements of terrorist groups, its negative consequences will affect the region and the world,” the top Iranian diplomat said.

Amir-Abdollahian further described Sinirlioglu’s mission as “difficult,” expressing hope that due to his experience, the UN official will have a more accurate assessment of the realities on the ground in Afghanistan and accomplish his mission successfully.

Sinirlioglu, for his part, presented his assessment regarding the developments in Afghanistan and the country’s situation in various fields.

He also reaffirmed the UN’s determination to support the regional initiatives for Afghanistan to help form an inclusive government in this country.