Tehran: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has said that negotiations among neighboring states, including Iran and Afghanistan, are necessary to pave the ground for addressing shared concerns and interests.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baghaei highlighted in an interview that Araghchi is the first Iranian foreign minister to visit Kabul in the past couple of years, marking this tour as a significant breakthrough in the Iran-Afghanistan relationship. He noted that such interactions are essential for finding solutions to shared challenges and concerns.

Regarding Iran's concern about its water rights to the Hirmand (Helmand) River, Baghaei mentioned that Afghanistan's caretaker government pledged to comply with its commitments under the Afghan-Iranian Helmand River-Water Treaty of 1973. He emphasized that Afghanistan intends to adhere to Islamic and ethical principles to respect Iran's water share.

On the issue of Afghan migrants in Iran, Baghaei reported that officials in Kabul praised Iranians for their hospitality over the past four to five decades. He expressed hope that collaborative efforts would lead to effective measures to address the issue of illegal migrants in Iran.

The discussions also underscored the need for enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism, particularly against the Daesh terrorist group, as noted by the spokesperson.

Baghaei further stated that Iranian and Afghan officials engaged in meaningful talks on advancing economic and trade exchanges. The economic delegation accompanying FM Araghchi during this tour played a crucial role in identifying new opportunities for collaboration.