The acting ambassador of Iran, Alireza Bikdeli, in a meeting in Kabul, emphasized cooperation and addressed the challenges faced by traders, as well as the development of trade, economic, and transit relations between Kabul and Tehran.
Alireza Bikdeli, during a meeting with the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated that joint investments and increased trade exchanges will enhance the economic dynamics of both countries.
The acting ambassador described Afghanistan as a long-time friend of Iran and stated: “We must work together to implement agreements. Alhamdulillah, our officials and the respected leaders of Afghanistan have achieved and will achieve good agreements during their visits to Iran. However, more important than reaching agreements is their implementation, which falls under the responsibility of the embassies and foreign ministries of both countries. The deputy minister will support my representation so that we can accomplish more.”
Officials of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment at the meeting described Iran as one of Afghanistan’s key economic and trade partners and expressed appreciation for Tehran’s cooperation in keeping ports open to Afghanistan’s export goods.
Mohammad Younus Momand, the first deputy of the chamber, highlighted the role of Chabahar Port in advancing trade and international transit between Afghanistan and the Gulf and India, and he called for the provision of further trade facilities for merchants at this port.
The first deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment said during the meeting: “Over the years, whether it was Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, or other ports, they have never been closed to the people of Afghanistan, not even for a single day. I express my gratitude to the people of Iran.”
Meanwhile, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Minister of Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was present at the meeting, described Iran as a good friend with shared religious, cultural, trade, and transit ties with Afghanistan. He stressed the importance of unity among Asian countries, particularly Iran, China, and Afghanistan.
“Our doors are open to all Iranian traders. There are no obstacles in this regard. They can invest here after completing the legal processes in the ministries. Our expectation from Iran is the same: that national investors facilitate opportunities so they can invest within Iran and benefit from Iranian products,” said Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, trade between Afghanistan and Iran in the first seven months of the current solar year amounted to $1.827 billion, of which $30 million constituted exports and the remainder imports.
