Gholam Hossein Mozaffari, governor of Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province, has called for stronger economic cooperation and increased joint investment between Iran and Afghanistan, emphasising that closer bilateral engagement is essential for the economic development of both nations.
During a meeting with Noor Mohammad Motawakel, Afghanistan’s consul general in Mashhad, Mozaffari highlighted the longstanding cultural and economic links between the neighbouring countries, describing them as a solid basis for expanding trade and investment.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the governor described Afghanistan as a key economic partner and stressed the importance of capitalising on existing opportunities to deepen cooperation across various sectors.
Mozaffari also underscored the strategic significance of the Islam Qala border crossing, noting that efforts are underway to upgrade infrastructure and improve operational efficiency at the gateway to facilitate trade and the movement of people and goods. He further proposed establishing free economic zones on both sides of the border, saying such measures could encourage joint ventures, attract investment, and stimulate commercial activity.
Addressing the issue of Afghan migrants in Iran, Mozaffari said the government is working to regulate the entry, residence, and employment of Afghan nationals through clear legal mechanisms. He added that plans are being pursued to introduce work visas for businesspeople and create more transparent procedures for managing the presence of Afghan citizens in the country. The governor also stressed the need to protect the dignity and rights of Afghan nationals residing in Iran while reducing irregular migration through stronger legal pathways.
For his part, Motawakel called for the restoration of taxi services between Herat and Taybad, which were suspended during the recent conflict and have yet to resume operations. He also raised concerns over challenges faced by Afghan citizens in Iran, including the high cost of health insurance and issues related to the transfer of Afghan prisoners, urging Iranian authorities to address these matters.
Motawakel said that implementing the agreements reached between Kabul and Tehran would serve the interests of both countries and help expand economic, trade, and transit cooperation.
