Gholamali Khoshroo made the remarks on Tuesday at the UN Security Council meeting on reviewing the situation in Afghanistan, adding the Islamic Republic of Iran has always backed the prospect of peace, security and economic development in Afghanistan.
He went on to add, “we believe during the period in which Afghan government is gripped with terrorism and major economic challenges, the international community has a duty to support Afghanistan's National Unity Government whether in the fight against terrorism or in line with economic and social development.”
Khoshroo maintained that Iran, while condemning all terrorist acts in Afghanistan, considers any cooperation with these groups an obstacle on the path of fighting terrorism, and welcomes the process of peace in the country.
Highlighting the impact of economic development on Afghanistan’s stability, Khoshroo referred to some instances of Iran’s economic cooperation with the country on completing a number of important infrastructure projects including the construction of Chabahr Port or Khaf-Harat Railway.
The Iranian envoy further stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries on countering drug trafficking as well as returning Afghan refugees to their homeland.
“Iran will continue hosting the thousands of Afghan refugees and support UN activities in strengthening Afghanistan’s national potentials according to the priorities set by the country,” he said.
The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution during the meeting to extend the UN political mission in Afghanistan until March 17, 2017.
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