Iran stresses formation of inclusive government in Afghanistan

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a webinar hosted by his New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, on Monday during which the two diplomats discussed the latest developments about Afghanistan, among other issues.

The Iranian foreign minister said the formation of an "inclusive government with the strong participation of all ethnic groups" in Afghanistan was one of the necessary foundations for the establishment of peace and stability in the country.

Pointing to measures taken by Iran to provide services for more than 4.5 million Afghan refugees in the country, Amir-Abdollahian stressed the need for support from the international community and the assistance of friendly countries, including New Zealand, in this regard.

Mahuta, for her part, lauded the Islamic Republic’s humanitarian approach in accommodating millions of Afghan refugees and highlighted her country's policy to support the establishment of peace in Afghanistan and help its refugees.

The top New Zealand diplomat also referred to Iran’s high standing and underlined the need for development of joint cooperation as much as possible.The two-decades-long US invasion of Afghanistan ended with the withdrawal of American troops from the capital, Kabul, in September last year.

Following the Taliban takeover, the US and its allies rushed to cut off Afghanistan’s access to international aid and froze nearly $10 billion in assets belonging to the country’s central bank. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank followed suit.

As a result of the humanitarian crisis, hundreds of thousands of Afghans have made their way across the border into Iran since last year. According to international aid organizations, around 4,000 to 5,000 people are streaming into Iran each day, escaping the horrors of poverty and insecurity fueled by the US and its allies.