The presence of US troops and their allied forces in Afghanistan, as well as their catastrophic departure, has left in its wake an overwhelmingly disorganised country. The country, which has suffered military invasion under the clichéd slogan of democratic development, is facing an ambiguous future.
In 2002, when US warmongers recklessly invaded our region to achieve so-called globalisation under the guise of ‘war on terror’, some voices praised the insanity and envisioned a brighter future for the invaded countries.
West Asia underwent developments at the time, but these were characterised by instability, war, and, indeed, lessons to learn. The state of affairs that has persisted to this day and has permeated the entire region has further fuelled terrorism and extremism, creating an insecure environment prone to tensions and conflict.
This tragic period teaches a lesson to all of us in West Asia, not least to those who continue to pin their hopes on foreign powers: Outsourcing security and relying upon domineering powers is a pipe dream.
Countries in the region must join forces and respond collectively to their people's questions and expectations, and strive to create a more prosperous, secure, and stable environment. This valuable endeavor shall materialise based not upon an imposed or hackneyed model but upon an indigenous, all-inclusive framework for regional cooperation.
Iran’s hand of friendship and brotherhood is always extended towards all countries in the region, neighbours in particular. Working in this spirit, Dr Raisi, the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has started his great undertaking by placing on his agenda the formulation of a balanced, dynamic and smart foreign policy.
This new agenda prioritises relations with neighbours and Asian countries, as well as improving political and economic relations in the region by relying on historical, cultural, religious and geographical bonds. These will serve as the basis for new mobility and connectivity. This framework demonstrates the profound belief that our commonalities in this region are much greater and stronger than our short-lived differences and grievances.
The countries in the region have learnt by experience that sustainable security, welfare, and development are achievable only through regional synergy and cooperation among neighbours. Regional cooperation is aimed at reviving the opportunities and reducing the threats caused by geographical adjacency by relying upon the moral components of neighbourliness.
The new round of our joint efforts on Afghanistan serves as an important test for the country’s neighbours by factoring in their extensive and diverse potentials in this regard.
The second meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan's neighbours in Tehran is a new step in diplomacy taken by the new government of Iran to improve convergence and regional bonds without the interference of foreign powers. It is also based upon neighbourliness and meant to lay the foundation for the participants to adopt real and practical decisions in order to assist the people of Afghanistan in resolving the current crisis in their country, including countering insecurity and multi-dimensional threats and reducing poverty.
After four decades of insecurity, Afghanistan's neighbours consider improving people's security and livelihoods as the cornerstone for stability and development and the formation of an "inclusive government".
Iran and Afghanistan are two friendly and brotherly neighbours with historical relations and abundant bonds, ranging from a shared comprehensive historical-civilisational area to religious, cultural connectivity, and the Persian language.
In all sensitive and decisive stages of Afghanistan's history, including the time of struggle and resistance against occupation, the Islamic Republic of Iran has stood with the country. The new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great significance to this long-standing history in its foreign policy.
And it is a source of delight that today there is a greater-than-ever consensus over the importance of neighbourhood policy in Iran. There is no limitation on the expansion and deepening of relations with neighbours, most notably with Afghanistan which has a special position in the Iranian foreign policy.
Fortunately, all the neighbours of Afghanistan agree that the country must be purged of insecurity and instability; that it should become a centre for constructive and productive activities; and that Afghan soil should not be used to launch threats against neighbouring countries.
As a pivotal country in the battle against ISIS and terrorism, and as a nation that has suffered the loss of its great general, Martyr Qassem Soleimani, as well as other martyrs in this path, the Islamic Republic of Iran together with other neighbours emphasises counterterrorism.
In this regard, the establishment of an inclusive government that serves as the sole cause of unity and cohesion among Afghanistan's people will pave the way for a bright future for the country. This is an important theme for discussion at the Tehran meeting.
The neighbouring countries want a stable, secure, and economically prosperous Afghanistan, emphasising the fact that the issue of displaced people and the livelihoods of its people requires intense attention in the short term.
Following the termination of the Afghanistan occupation, and with the help of international organisations and regional countries, necessary arrangements should be made to aid the vulnerable people of Afghanistan in their current ordeal.
At the Tehran meeting, we will strive wholeheartedly to explore avenues to resolve this chronic problem. We aim to prove that engagement and cooperation of neighbours and the assistance of all members are a vast and constructive potential that can put an eternal end to foreign domination and reliance upon extra-regional forces.
Iran Minister of Foreign Affairs
