Continuing on the first day of the Tehran Dialogue Forum at the Center for Political and International Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Caretaker Government of Afghanistan, responded to questions from Bahramian, the former ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Kabul.

Bahramian began by welcoming Muttaqi and asked him to provide an explanation of the developments that have occurred since the new government came to power in Afghanistan.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, referring to the deep and fundamental transformations in Afghanistan in recent years, stated: "After several decades of conflict and civil war, our country has now achieved relative stability and is witnessing fundamental changes in its power structure, foreign policy, and regional standing." He considered these achievements, which have taken shape in the context of a new regional order, as a sign of Afghanistan's overcoming past challenges and entering a new phase of its political life.

Muttaqi went on to detail specific actions, adding: "We have been successful in the fight against the ISIS group and its suppression, and we hope the region and Afghanistan will soon be rid of this group. Simultaneously, we have made significant progress in combating narcotics and are moving towards a new economy that will help provide security for the country, its neighbors, and the entire region."

Referring to five decades of war, conflict, and security challenges in Afghanistan, Bahramian asked Muttaqi what plans he now has to emerge from the existing internal challenges.

In explaining his country's new approach, the Afghan Foreign Minister said: "As a Muslim country, we have made a development-oriented economy the cornerstone of our plans. Today, with a deep understanding of regional and international realities, we are determined to redefine our position."

He stated the goal of this redefinition as follows: "We want to transform Afghanistan from a crisis-ridden country into a crossroads for economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation. Our foreign policy is defined on this basis, grounded in mutual respect, common interests, and constructive engagement with all countries."

He concluded by emphasizing: "Based on this approach, Afghanistan will no longer be an arena for the competition and confrontation of powers, but will instead become a crossroads for understanding, the exchange of goods and energy, and multilateral regional cooperation."

The former Iranian ambassador to Kabul, Bahramian, noting the close connection between a country's domestic and foreign policies, asked Amir Khan Muttaqi how Afghanistan, given its severely limited resources, intends to achieve development in such a situation.

The Afghan Foreign Minister, pointing to the potential for regional cooperation, said: "In the shadow of security, we can have excellent transit relations with Iran and our other neighbors, because the establishment of peace and security in Afghanistan and the region will certainly benefit the entire world."

He then elaborated on his country's new foreign policy doctrine, adding: "Afghanistan today, unlike in the past when it was caught in the struggle of global and regional powers, is moving towards a balanced, realistic, and national interest-based policy."

He summarized the goals of this path as follows: "Strengthening internal security, increasing coordination with neighbors, and becoming a center of stability and development are our macro-level objectives."

He added: "Our country's political officials emphasize that threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and instability can only be eradicated through cooperation, dialogue, and the strengthening of security and economic infrastructure. The country's economic situation is also on a path to improvement. Developing trade relations with Central Asian countries, South Asian countries, and other neighbors is a priority for the current government."

Referring to the status of exports, increased economic exchanges, and attracting investment, the Afghan Foreign Minister added: "Afghanistan can become an economic center of gravity in the region."

The Islamic Republic of Iran has been an excellent host for Afghan migrants

Amir Khan Muttaqi then addressed bilateral issues with Iran, including the matter of migrants and water resources, and stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement, especially concerning the water rights of the Helmand (Hirmand) River.

Explaining Afghanistan's position, he said: "We ourselves face severe drought in provinces adjacent to Iran, such as Farah, Nimruz, and Helmand, and for this reason, we cannot allow water resources to be wasted through unnecessary release."

The senior Afghan official then emphasized his country's peaceful approach, adding: "Regarding border and water issues, there is no intention of confrontation. We are committed to dialogue, understanding, and respect for existing agreements, and we have even declared our readiness at the highest levels to sign new cooperation agreements within clear legal frameworks."

Next, Bahramian explicitly asked Amir Khan Muttaqi: "Is your government committed to the provisions of the Helmand River Treaty?"

In response, Muttaqi affirmed his government's full commitment to this treaty.