Iran, Afghanistan join hands to fight drug trafficking, terrorism

Iran and Afghanistan agreed to cooperate against illicit drugs trafficking and the perils of terrorism in the region, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday in joint press conference with his visiting Afghani counterpart Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.

"Concerning the issue of narcotics, which is a menace beleaguering the region, including Iran and Afghanistan, we agreed to have intelligence and security cooperation to counter drug trafficking rings," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Press TV.

Also, Tehran and Kabul agreed to share intelligence on terrorism, violence and extremism in the region, including in Afghan regions bordering Iran, and conduct joint operations if necessary, he said.

Talks were also held on the issue of Afghan refugees currently residing in Iran, and an agreement was reached on the adoption of measures to register all Afghans now living in Iran, he added.

For his part, Ahmadzai said that Iran and Afghanistan enjoy amicable relations, and should use such opportunity to establish peace and stability.

"Today, we are facing the serious threat of terrorism, and acts of barbarism. We are witnessing civilian casualties on daily basis. There is a need for cooperation in order to address problems such as IS terrorists," he was quoted as saying.

Ahmadzai arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks to boost mutual ties and discuss issues of mutual interest with senior Iranian officials.

He is accompanied by Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, Finance Minister Eklil Ahmad Hakimi, Mines and Petroleum Minister Daud Saba, and Minister of Refugees and Repatriation Sayed Hussain Alemi Balkhi.

Iran is a major investor in Afghanistan's roads and bridge projects as well as in its agriculture and health care. The trade ties between the two countries over the past decade have grown considerably with Iran importing minerals, agricultural products and handicrafts from Afghanistan.

Iran's exports to its neighboring country include oil products, construction material, carpets and home appliances.

Iran is located at the crossroads of an international drug smuggling route from Afghanistan, the world's top opium producer, to Europe.