Atmar meets Iran National Security Advisor in Tehran

Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Mohammad Hanif Atmar met his Iranian counterpart Ali Shamkhani in Tehran yesterday evening. A press release from Iran National Security Council (NSC) stated that both sides discussed the fight against terrorism and drugs, and the need for economic cooperation. “Preventing the emergence and spread of Takfiri terrorist groups requires coherent and coordinated measures by all neighbouring countries,” Shamkhani asserted. Shamkhani also expressed concern over the continuation of financial, arms and intelligence assistance provided by some reactionary countries in the region to Takfiri and terrorist groups under the guise of establishing religious schools and social institutions. Shamkhani added that such moves would increase insecurity as well as religious and sectarian rifts and undermine the Afghan government’s efforts to develop the country.
Atmar, for his part, said Iran had played a constructive role in the establishment of the national unity government in Afghanistan, and both countries must hold more negotiations on ways to strengthen the Afghan government. He added that the escalation of insecurity and political discord in Afghanistan would spread terrorism and insecurity to other countries in the region.