Iran deputy FM in Afghanistan for key talks
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Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi visits Kabul to address key issues with Afghan officials, including the Helmand River water dispute, border cooperation, and the transfer of prisoners.
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Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabad (left) arrives in Kabul for talks with Afghan officials, October 26, 2025. (IRNA)
Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabad has stated that the purpose of his visit to Afghanistan is to tackle a number of sensitive issues, such as border cooperation, shared water resources, and judicial affairs.
Gharibabadi revealed this information in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) upon his arrival in Kabul with a delegation on Sunday, stating that his trip is part of Tehran's regional policy and is in line with expanding bilateral cooperation.
The senior Iranian diplomat stressed that his meetings with Afghan ministers and officials would specifically focus on water, border, and judicial issues and noted that opportunities for cooperation between the two countries exist in these areas.
Iran and Afghanistan have experienced longstanding tensions concerning water rights to the Helmand River, the management of their shared borders, and the status of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Iran.
The Director General of the Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan's acting government welcomed the Iranian delegation and stressed the significance of high-level exchanges between the two neighboring nations.
Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed optimism that Iran and Afghanistan, sharing a common history from the distant past, would enhance their cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Later in the day, Gharibabadi met with Shamsuddin Shariati, the head of supervision and implementation of decrees and orders, for talks where they exchanged views on legal and judicial cooperation between the two countries.
In the meeting, the Iranian and Afghan parties reached an understanding concerning the transfer of convicts and the extradition of criminals, in addition to agreements on the consular rights of Iranian citizens being held in Afghan prisons.
