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Qomi: Destabilization of Afghanistan is America’s priority
Hassan Kazemi Qomi, ambassador and special representative of the Iranian president in Afghanistan, said on Tuesday in an interview with the Iranian media, IRNA, that the Americans, despite their disgraceful defeat, continue to commit insecurity in Afghanistan and support terrorism, especially Daesh.
IRNA quoted Qomi as saying the instability and insecurity of Afghanistan is still America’s priority and they follow this policy for various reasons.
Iran’s ambassador in Kabul said: “Despite their disgraceful defeat in Afghanistan, the Americans have not abandoned the region and Afghanistan. America’s goals still exist, but they have changed their operational strategies. At that time, they thought that they could achieve their goals with militarization and military campaigns … but after failing in this way, they turned to other ways.”
Qomi added: “We have reached an agreement to interact with Kabul to help improve the conditions of Afghanistan.”
He also said: “Fortunately, we have reached a positive approach in consultations with important players in the region, including Pakistan, we emphasized regional cooperation in interaction with Kabul, and it was agreed that this approach should be prioritized, and that’s why the basis of the Regional Contact Group was formed, which was agreed in the framework of the Kazan meeting and the members of the Moscow format.
“It was decided to pursue regional cooperation with the rulers of Afghanistan.”
Qomi added that the representatives of the regional contact group should define and follow a cooperation package with Afghanistan in the economic, security and political fields.
Qomi considered the spread of terrorism in the region, including the phenomenon of Daesh, as a result of America’s proxy war and American-Zionist plans, and emphasized that neighboring countries should be vigilant in order to form comprehensive cooperation, including security, with Afghanistan.
He has stated that: “Terrorism knows no borders, therefore countering terrorism must be done collectively.”
He added: “Supporting the people of Afghanistan is still the political criterion of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” This support is established in all dimensions of bilateral cooperation and Iran’s deep understanding of the conditions of the Afghan people, and we encourage the region to converge, and the United Nations is also expected to support this process, he said.
He stated that Iran supports the constructive role of the United Nations. “Considering that the neighbors are most affected by the developments in Afghanistan, the United Nations should support regional initiatives and cooperation, and if this support is provided, it can help improve the mission of the United Nations Security Council to establish global peace and security,” he said.
The US has not yet responded to these claims.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), left for Baku on Friday at the head of an official delegation to participate in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), a major international gathering focused on sustainable urban development and environmental challenges.
The forum, organized by UN-Habitat, is scheduled to take place from May 17 to 22 in the Azerbaijani capital under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”
According to Afghan officials, the delegation will participate in a series of technical meetings and discussions on climate change, environmental protection in urban areas, sustainable development, waste management, green cities, air pollution control and strengthening urban resilience.
The World Urban Forum is regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms on urbanization and environmental policy, bringing together government officials, mayors, international organizations, climate experts and development institutions from across the globe.
On the sidelines of the event, Khalis and accompanying officials are also expected to meet with representatives of international organizations, donor agencies and foreign governments to discuss environmental cooperation, technical support and future joint initiatives.
Afghanistan’s environmental authority described participation in the forum as an important opportunity to expand international engagement, exchange experiences and seek practical solutions to the country’s growing environmental and urban challenges.
The visit comes as Afghanistan faces increasing concerns over climate-related risks, rapid urbanization, air pollution and environmental degradation, issues that officials say require broader regional and international cooperation.
Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday that Afghanistan remains a major focus for Washington in terms of terrorist activity and regional security threats.
Speaking during a hearing before lawmakers, Cooper said Afghanistan continues to be “on the forefront” of U.S. monitoring efforts regarding militant groups.
“Afghanistan remains on the forefront of what we are watching in terms of terrorist activity,” he told the committee.
The CENTCOM commander added that the United States is working closely with regional partners to contain and suppress potential threats emerging from Afghanistan.
The remarks come as U.S. officials continue to express concerns over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American forces from the country in 2021.
The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied presence of militant groups in Afghanistan, emphasizing that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), met on Thursday with Johannes Bruwer, the newly appointed head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and received a copy of his credentials.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that during the meeting, Muttaqi described relations between Afghanistan and the ICRC as historic, congratulated Bruwer on the start of his mission in Afghanistan, wished him success, and assured him of full cooperation in advancing humanitarian efforts.
Muttaqi also praised the services of Katharina Ritz, the outgoing head of the organization, and commended the activities carried out during her mission in Afghanistan. He also wished her success in her future responsibilities.
For his part, Bruwer expressed pleasure over the beginning of his mission in Afghanistan and pledged to continue providing humanitarian services in close coordination with the relevant institutions of the Islamic Emirate during his tenure.
Meanwhile, Ritz thanked the institutions of the Islamic Emirate for their cooperation and support throughout her mission and described her tenure as full of achievements and positive memories.
At the end of the meeting, both sides emphasized the expansion of bilateral cooperation in humanitarian affairs and the strengthening of mutual engagement.
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