Mohammad Yahya Maroufi in a meeting with Chabahar officials stated, “Existing facilities and closeness of this port to the Indian Ocean can link Afghanistan to the world.” IRNA reported.
He also emphasized on Kabul’s eagerness to expand economic ties with this port and considered Iran’s offer to Kabul to make use of the capacities of this port as a gift from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Afghanistan.
“Many merchants are interested in investing in this port and we hope that this can strengthen bilateral ties,” he stated.
Elsewhere he referred to Iran’s past aid and noted, “Iran is our friend and neighbor and in the past, especially when Afghanistan was experiencing hard times, helped us and this will never be forgotten.”
“And now that Afghanistan is experiencing development in fields such as economy and security it still needs help as before,” he added, hoping that economic and trade ties between Kabul and Chabahar Port will soon become operational through the cooperation of this port’s officials.
“We plan to expand all of our transit routes, air, rail and, sea to this port,” Maroufi explained.
He noted that Chabahar will soon replace other ports in Afghanistan’s economy and trade relations.
“In the near future, because of its security, easy access, and financial benefits Chahbar port will replace ports such as Pakistan’s Karachi Port and the UAE’s Dubai in Afghanistan’s trade.”
Also in this meeting Chabahar Free-zone Organization (CFTZO) Managing Director Dr.Mohammad Taher Bagherizadeh announced this port’s readiness to carryout all previous agreements.
“CFTZO is prepared to conduct trade exchanges with Afghanistan and to transit goods to and from that country,” he said.
“The government has paid special attention to the development of this port and we hope through the presence of Afghan merchants in this region potentials are realized and the economic development of Chabahar port can be witnessed,” he noted.
The afghan ambassador visited Chabar on a two day trip to this port.
RVA/MRK
END
MNA