Tehran, Kabul Agree On Defense Cooperation

August 29, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- A spokesman for Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says Tehran and Kabul have agreed that Iran will participate in building Afghanistan's National Army, Radio Farda reported.

Spokesman Zaher Azimi told Radio Farda that the decision was made during a recent trip by Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak to Iran:


"In this trip, a window [for cooperation] was opened," Azimi said. "We hope that it will remain open and that it will expand. During the trip, it was agreed that the Islamic Republic of Iran will help in building and equipping the Afghan National Army."


Wardak was in Iran for an official three-day visit from August 25-28.


It was the first trip of an Afghan defense minister to Iran since the fall of the Taliban.

Avoiding International Isolation

Avoiding International Isolation
Afghan President Hamid Karzai (left) with Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad in Tehran on May 27 (epa)

DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE: As the United States and the European Union increase pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program, Tehran has launched a wide-ranging and ambitious diplomatic offensive, including high-level state visits with countries including China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. In May, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad participated in a high-profile summit of the so-called Developing 8 (D8) group of countries in Bali. Below are some links to RFE/RL's coverage of Iran's efforts to boost international support for its position.

Tehran's Shanghai Plans Seen As Bold Geopolitical Stroke

Nonaligned Movement Expresses Support For Iran

Afghan, Iranian Presidents Tout Strong Historical Ties

Iranian Foreign Minister In Pakistan For Energy Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Baghdad


ARCHIVE

To view all of RFE/RL's coverage of Iran, click here.


THE COMPLETE STORY: RFE/RL's complete coverage of controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program.


CHRONOLOGY

An annotated timeline of Iran's nuclear program.