Neda Mohammad Nadim, the Minister of Higher Education of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has called for expanded academic cooperation with Iran during his visit to the country.

In a meeting with Ali Akbar Velayati, the International Affairs Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Nadim highlighted Afghanistan’s educational needs and requested that the Islamic Azad University Afghanistan branch expand its programs in the fields of medicine, electronics, and artificial intelligence.

According to reports, the meeting focused on improving bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation between universities, creating joint academic platforms, and strengthening the activities of the Islamic Azad University branch in Kabul.

Ziaullah Hashimi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education, said: “The Minister of Higher Education discussed the exchange of professors between Afghan and Iranian universities, the expansion of academic relations, and other important issues.”

Hashimi added: “The Minister also provided information on newly established master’s and doctoral programs in Afghan universities, as well as recent developments in both religious and modern academic fields.”

Velayati stated that the Islamic Azad University, within its available resources, is ready to cooperate with and support Afghanistan’s higher education sector.

He also mentioned the possibility of creating specialized academic programs and facilitating the exchange of professors and students.

Meanwhile, Nadim also held discussions with Minister of Science, Research and Technology of Iran Hossein Simaei Saraf regarding bilateral academic cooperation.

Saraf emphasized the importance of scientific collaboration between the two countries and expressed Iran’s full readiness for any form of academic cooperation with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Higher Education.

Kazakhstan has reiterated its backing for major economic and connectivity projects in Afghanistan during a high-level meeting between Yerkin Tukumov, the Kazakh President’s Special Envoy, and Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Islamic Emirate’s Minister of Interior, in Kabul.

According to the Ministry of Interior, Tukumov conveyed Astana’s commitment to boosting bilateral trade, deepening cooperation, and advancing key infrastructure initiatives — particularly the planned Afghanistan–Kazakhstan railway.

He also confirmed that joint work on border security, counter-narcotics efforts, and completing the railway corridor through Turkmenistan will remain a priority.

Haqqani praised Kazakhstan’s position, describing relations as “positive and forward-moving.” He said Afghanistan is actively pursuing peace, economic growth, and regional integration, and encouraged Kazakhstan to continue its constructive engagement and support for strategic development projects.

The Ministry noted that the meeting represents a significant step toward strengthening Kabul–Astana ties and enhancing regional cooperation at a critical moment for Afghanistan’s connectivity and economic recovery.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) says administrative corruption has been significantly reduced over the past four years, placing anti-corruption efforts at the top of its governance agenda.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the IEA, stated that the government has taken “serious and effective measures” to combat corruption, embezzlement, and illegal land grabbing. According to him, the level of corruption in state institutions has been brought “to a minimum.”

Fitrat acknowledged that some challenges may still exist at lower administrative levels, but said a large number of individuals accused of corruption and land seizure have been arrested and referred to judicial authorities.

He warned that no official or individual will be permitted to engage in bribery, land usurpation, or administrative misconduct, adding that violators will face legal action without exception.

The deputy spokesperson further reiterated the IEA’s pledge to cleanse government structures of corruption and ensure transparent, reliable public services for citizens—describing the effort as a key priority for strengthening governance in the country.