Iranian Deputy FM Visits Kabul for Iran-Afghanistan Consular Commission Talks

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh arrived in Kabul on Monday to attend the fifth meeting of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Consular Commission, where officials are expected to discuss migration, consular cooperation and cross-border issues. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh arrived in Kabul on Monday, July 13, to participate in the fifth session of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Consular Commission, an official visit focused on consular affairs, migration and bilateral cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Jalalzadeh, who oversees consular affairs, parliamentary affairs and Iranian expatriates, is also expected to meet senior Taliban officials during his visit to discuss issues affecting citizens of both countries, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. According to the ministry, the commission will address a range of practical matters, including visa services, identity documentation, migration management, prisoner transfers and mechanisms to improve consular cooperation amid continued cross-border movement between Iran and Afghanistan. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran’s engagement with Afghanistan is driven by practical bilateral needs and should not be interpreted as formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban administration. “The recognition of the Taliban government is a political and legal process,” Baghaei said, adding that Iran would make its decision independently when appropriate. Until then, he said, cooperation on trade, border security and consular affairs would continue. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Iran has maintained regular diplomatic contacts with Kabul while stopping short of officially recognizing the Taliban government. Tehran has continued to expand cooperation in areas including trade, border management, transit and migration, reflecting the close economic and geographic ties between the two countries. Iran hosts one of the world’s largest Afghan migrant populations, making migration management and consular services a central element of bilateral relations. In recent months, the two sides have increased consultations as both countries seek to address issues related to legal documentation, cross-border movement and the return of Afghan nationals. The Joint Consular Commission serves as one of the main institutional mechanisms for resolving practical issues affecting citizens on both sides of the border. Previous meetings have focused on improving administrative coordination, facilitating consular services and strengthening cooperation on migration and legal affairs. The post Iranian Deputy FM Visits Kabul for Iran-Afghanistan Consular Commission Talks appeared first on Khaama Press.