Iran, Afghan defence ministries issue joint statement

Tehran, Jun 20: Iran and Afghanistan have pledged not to allow any third country to use their territories against any other country to destabilise it.

The joint statement issued by their defence ministers at the end of their second round of ministerial talks in Kabul, which saw an Iranian defence minister visiting Afghanistan for the first time, read, "Iran and Afghanistan will not allow any third country to use each of their territories against security, stability, territorial integrity, independence or political system of the other country."

Brigadier-General Ahmad Vahidi and his Afghan counterpart General Abdul Rahim Wardak emphasised yesterday on enhancing bilateral defence relations and also holding annual joint defence meetings in Kabul and Tehran.

Other issues discussed by both the defence ministers included expansion and strengthening bilateral relations, confronting organised crimes, fighting drug trafficking and preventing narcotics production.

Vahidi, who had arrived in Afghanistan on a 2-day visit to Kabul on Saturday, met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, his deputies, the defence and interior ministers, as well as the secretary of Afghanistan Security Council.

Vahidi's visit was very crucial due to the current political and military developments in the Middle East. After his two-day official visit, the minister left Kabul for Tehran late Sunday (Jun 19).

PTI (IRNA)