Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), on Thursday announced that Iranian pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia to their country via Afghanistan will be exempt from visa requirements for a period of one month.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the announcement was made during a meeting with Alireza Bigdeli, acting ambassador of Iran in Kabul. Muttaqi stated that relevant authorities in Herat province have been instructed to take all necessary measures to ensure the safe and secure transit of the pilgrims.

He also condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, calling them a clear violation of international law, and reaffirmed Afghanistan’s solidarity with the Iranian people.

In response, the Iranian envoy expressed gratitude for the visa exemption and the facilitation efforts provided by the Islamic Emirate, calling it a commendable step toward strengthening bilateral relations. He expressed hope for the smooth and successful transit of Iranian pilgrims.

Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy of Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has met with senior Chinese officials and a number of investors during his visit to China.

The meetings, also attended by Nooruddin Azizi, Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Mohammad Naeem Wardak, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of win-win cooperation between Afghanistan and China in various areas.

Hanafi stated that the Islamic Emirate supports China’s major “Belt and Road” initiative and expressed hope for enhanced and expanded cooperation between the two countries across multiple sectors.

On the Chinese side, Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, said that China and Afghanistan, as close neighbors, have no issues in their relations and stressed that cooperation should be strengthened based on mutual interests. He also noted that the opening of the China–South Asia Expo would bring new economic opportunities for Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Chinese investors expressed their interest in investing in Afghanistan during a meeting with the Afghan delegation and called for the Islamic Emirate’s support in facilitating such investments.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Hanafi highlighted Afghanistan’s broad investment opportunities and assured that the Islamic Emirate is fully prepared to provide all necessary support and facilities for both domestic and foreign investors, particularly those from China.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the situation in Afghanistan is a concern for countries in the region.

According to the TASS news agency, Putin said in a meeting with the heads of some news agencies that Russia and Kazakhstan, as members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, are cooperating to ensure security in the region.

The Russian president said that there are many factors that cause concern, “including, for example, the situation in Afghanistan.”

He added: “Kazakhstan does not have a common border, but yes, other countries [in the region] do.”

Russian officials have repeatedly expressed concern about possible threats from Afghan territory.

However, the Islamic Emirate has dismissed these concerns as unfounded, stressing that it will not allow Afghan territory to be used against the security of other countries.