Iran, Afghanistan to build new transit route in Nimruz: Sources

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Sep 2022 20:37

Sources say a new transit route will be built between Iran and Afghanistan to solve the problems of traders and facilitate the passage of commercial goods.

The Silk Bridge crossing between Iran and Afghanistan

Local sources said Saturday that a new transit route will be built between Afghanistan and Iran in Nimruz province, Mehr reported.

According to the Iranian news agency, "Local sources said that the new transit route will be built due to the inadequacy of the Silk Bridge – the only route for the transfer of commercial goods between Afghanistan and Iran in Nimroz province to solve the problems of traders and facilitate the passage of commercial goods."

The Silk Bridge in Nimruz province, which is on the border between Afghanistan and Iran, "occasionally witnesses excessive overcrowding," Mehr mentioned.

The news agency said that "merchants in Nimroz have welcomed the construction of a new transit route and expressed their hope that with this initiative, problems in the field of export and import of commercial goods will be solved."

It is noteworthy that "The Silk bridge border crossing is the only connection between Zaranj city and the Milak border crossing of Iran, and half of this bridge is on the soil of Iran and the other half is part of Afghanistan," according to Mehr.

Amir-Abdollahian: US is root cause of Afghanistan problems

In late March, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian pointed out that the fundamental reason for Afghanistan's troubles is the long-term occupation and erroneous policies of the invaders, particularly the United States.

Speaking during the third meeting of Afghanistan's neighbors Conference in Tunxi, China, the foreign minister said that the occupation did not contribute to the country's development but rather resulted in the "collapse" of its political and economic structures following the disastrous withdrawal.

Amir-Abdollahian expressed that after the many challenges and struggles that Afghanistan has witnessed, neighbors are hopeful for many things regarding the nation.

There is hope, according to Amir-Abdollahian, for Afghan interest in establishing peace and looking for diplomatic solutions, regional convergence, particularly between neighbors of Afghanistan, and hope that the world does not forget its hardships.

The FM however did cite fears of terrorist activity still by groups such as ISIS within the country, as well as fear of problems arising from occupier interference.

He also touched on the fact that the US still has not released the frozen funds of Afghanistan, and that its people are suffering and in economic distress.

"All countries must act to release Afghanisntan's assets in any manner that could help the humanitarian situation," he added.

US is the root cause of all problems in Afghanistan

Regarding the US role in Afghanistan, the Iranian diplomat expressed that the primary cause of Afghanistan's troubles is the long-term occupation and flawed policies of the occupiers, most notably the United States.

Amir-Abdollahian stressed that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is difficult and half of the people are in need of assistance to obtain basic needs.

The FM noted that Iran hosts hundreds of thousands of refugee Afghans and that it is ready to cooperate with other countries interested in contributing to the assistance of Afghans.

He concluded by telling attendees that in order for Afghanistan to achieve a safe and secure place, neighbors must "enhance cooperation and expand assistance" to its people, while making efforts to "strengthen political dialogue in Afghan society so that the ruling establishment and various social and political groups reach a better understanding and proximity and facilitate more interaction."