Afghanistan and Iran enjoy cordial, historic, cultural, ethno-lingual and neighborly ties. Both the countries share common strategic, historical, cultural and economic reasons to have vital interests. In fact, Afghanistan and Iran should further cooperation both bilateral and at the regional level within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), on the lines of the EU to reap out maximum benefits of regional cooperation. Afghanistan, therefore, is expected to have normal friendly relations with Iran and engage it in mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.
Iran played a decisive role and proved a hospitable neighbor keeping large number of Afghan emigrants on its land at the time when Afghans were hapless. Till date numerous Afghans choose to work in Iran, finding close cultural bonds with their people. Nevertheless, the uncivilized treatment of Afghans, denial of their right to education and basic health are primary problems pleading immediate attention.
There are multiple problems Iran share with Afghanistan; one being the comprehensive treaty on the Helmand River Water Rights dating to 1973, when there are tensions about the lack of verification and enforcement of the flow of water into Iran. Unchecked poppy cultivation and opium smuggling was another major regional issue, dwindling between the two neighbors. Iran is not only a transit point for the Afghan narcotics business, but also a major consumer market for opiates. The United Nations estimates that the Islamic Republic has 1.2 million drug addicts but others think there could be millions more. Iranian forces crack down on the drug trade by fighting heavily armed traffickers and patrolling the border. Tehran claims to spend $1 billion annually on its war on drugs. Iranian leaders critique the Afghan government and its Western allies for failing to cease the cultivation and production of narcotics.
Formerly, Iranian foreign minister Jawad Zarif called on Afghan President and CEO, in one-on-one meeting to talk on several issues of common interest and strengthening bilateral relationship. At a meeting President Ashraf Ghani stressed cooperation on issues of counter-terrorism, drugs, refugees, economic links and transit trade. The premier promised a long-term strategic cooperation pact could be signed soon with neighboring country. The President Ghani appreciated Iran’s role in bolstering regional cooperation. He said Afghanistan viewed Iran as a long-term partner and desired friendly bilateral relations. The signing of cooperation agreement was also talked to be duly finalized.
The CEO also pointed to the growing smuggling of narcotics and activities of the Islamic State (IS) in the region. He said the unity government was interested in further cementing ties with Iran. Access to Iranian railway lines and enhancement of trade ties through the Chabahar port would help boost Afghanistan’s economy.
On the other hand the Iranian foreign minister, Zarif called terrorism a shared concern, saying the whole region was threatened by extremist elements. Iran was prepared to organize a joint force with regional countries to contain extremism, he said. He stoutly supported the Afghan-led peace process. Nonetheless, he expressed grief over prolonged presence of foreigners in Afghanistan devoid of inflicting an impact over improvement of the regional situation whilst showing reservation. He said Iran and Afghanistan should work together on the issue of refugees, their legal status and travel.
The persistent state of insecurity and unemployment is forcing large number of Afghans to move foreign countries in the search for better livelihood. Iran is one of such of countries that are hosting large number of Afghans. Iran of course renders great humanitarian service by allowing Afghans seek refuge in its land. Nevertheless the mass violation of human rights must be deemed inhuman if not immoral. Reportedly Afghans are suffering ill-treatment in the said country. The issues have been raised on diplomatic level. Conversely the Afghan government with exception of receiving corps has done nothing satisfactory.
This is one of such cases that surfaced on the media; there are several cases that go unreported. Admittedly the Afghan government might have raised the issue with Iranian counterpart on diplomatic or political level but is never given a priority. On this very ground the political leadership is accusable for doing nothing satisfactory to rescue Afghan citizens on the death row in Iran. Like many other political and economic issues that seek mutual resolution the Afghanistan and Iran should sign prisoners exchange treaty, granting reimbursement to criminals involved in minor crimes.
Trade between the two nations has increased dramatically since the overthrow of the Taliban government in late 2001. Iran and Afghanistan planed on building a new rail line connecting Mashhad to Herat. In 2009, Iran was one of the largest investors in Afghanistan, which is mainly in the construction of roads and bridges as well as agriculture and health care that subsided gradually. According to the chairman of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Iran's exports to Afghanistan in 2008 stood at $800 million. Iran keeps a good market for variant products like fresh and dried fruits, minerals, precious stones, and spices. Significantly, the Iranian oil products, cement, construction material, carpets, home appliances, and detergents can be imported at a cheaper price provided the Iran and US deal lead to progression. Iran can too import nuts, carpets, agricultural products as well as handicrafts from Afghanistan. The demonstration of a firm resolve straightening the areas of common interest from the two sides, will help Afghanistan improve its trade with Iran and earn lots of revenue in return.