VANCOUVER, CANADA – Iran says the country has established a ‘regional communication group’ aimed at fostering cooperation with the Taliban. Hassan Kazimi Qomi, Iran’s special envoy, announced the news in a ceremony that commemorated the 45th anniversary of the Islamic revolution at Iran’s embassy in Kabul.
Mr. Qomi detailed that Iran had proposed this diplomatic initiative with the objective of fortifying stability in Afghanistan and the broader region. The inaugural meeting, attended by special representatives from neighbouring countries, was recently held in Kabul, Qomi said.
According to Mr. Qomi, the primary focus of this initiative is to lend support to the current Taliban leadership, contributing to enhanced security, political stability, and an improved economic landscape.
Iran and other countries in the region have increased their engagement with the regime in Kabul that remains internationally unrecognized.
The celerbative ceremony where Mr. Qomi shared the news was also attended by Shir Mohammad Abbas Stakenzai, the Taliban’s deputy foreign minister.
The Iranian initiative follows the ‘Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative’ meeting in Kabul, that the Taliban hosted earlier in 2024 that was attended by representatives and ambassadors from key regional players.
Abbas Stanikzai, the Political Deputy Minister of the Taliban, said that both parties have built mutual trust based on the principles of goodwill and neighbourliness.
The Iranian envoy cited Iran’s hosting of high-level Taliban officials as signs of increasing ties between Tehran and Kabul.
