Iran’s Minister of Agriculture Jihad Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh arrived in Kabul at the head of a high-level delegation for talks with officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and to visit the country’s first international agriculture and livestock exhibition.

During the three-day visit, the Iranian delegation is expected to hold discussions with Afghan officials on expanding agricultural and livestock cooperation, trade and broader economic relations between Tehran and Kabul.

Nouri Ghezeljeh, who is also responsible for the Iranian side of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Economic Commission, said his program would include meetings with Afghanistan’s agriculture and livestock officials as well as potentially other members of the Afghan administration.

The Iranian minister and Afghan Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Mawlawi Osmani jointly visited the inaugural international exhibition showcasing Afghan agricultural and livestock products in Kabul.

Nouri Ghezeljeh said the exhibition provided an opportunity to examine Afghanistan’s agricultural potential and identify areas where the two countries could expand cooperation.

The discussions are expected to cover agricultural production, livestock, trade and other areas of mutual economic interest.

The Iranian minister emphasized the close historical, religious, cultural and linguistic ties between the two neighboring countries, arguing that these commonalities could provide a foundation for deeper economic relations.

Nouri Ghezeljeh also expressed appreciation for what he described as the Afghan authorities’ supportive position toward Iran during recent confrontations involving Iran and the United States.

“We witnessed a very valuable position adopted by the respected Afghan officials during the events of recent months in response to the unjust attacks carried out against our country,” he said.

He added that the two countries’ shared history and cultural and religious ties, combined with the desire of their peoples for closer relations, could contribute to expanding bilateral cooperation.

According to the Iranian minister, these common bonds should serve as an asset for strengthening relations across a range of sectors.

The ministerial-level visit comes as Iran and Afghanistan continue efforts to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

As neighboring countries with extensive commercial links, Tehran and Kabul have sought to increase economic exchanges and cooperation in sectors including agriculture, livestock, transportation, energy and trade.

Nouri Ghezeljeh’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for officials from both sides to review existing cooperation and identify new areas for joint economic activity.

The Iranian delegation’s participation in Afghanistan’s first international agriculture and livestock exhibition also highlights the importance both sides attach to the agricultural sector as a potential driver of bilateral trade and economic engagement. (ILKHA)