Military

Germany, Iran stress importance of Afghan neighborhood initiative

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Berlin, Mar 5, IRNA - Germany and Iran highlighted the significance of a regional approach geared at stabilizing war-stricken Afghanistan, IRNA reported on Thursday.

Talking to IRNA in Berlin, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the German Parliament, Ruprecht Polenz pointed to his meeting with his Iranian counterpart Alaeddin Boroujerdi, saying both sides "agreed on a constructive engagement of all the neighboring countries of Afghanistan."

"I am glad to know that Iran is taking part in such a neighborhood initiative," he added.

Meanwhile, Boroujerdi said that Germany has, more than ever before, become sensitive to developments in Afghanistan, since thousands of German troops have been deployed in the war-ravaged country as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

He reiterated Berlin's interest in deepening cooperation with Iran on stabilizing the volatile situation in Afghanistan which is facing a revitalized Taliban and al-Qaeda insurgency.

Boroujerdi urged also a more serious role by the European Union to step up the fight against drugs in Afghanistan.

Germany and Iran had already agreed last summer to intensify efforts in the Afghan anti-drug campaign.