RASC News Agency: Mohammadreza Hashemi, the Governor of South Khorasan Province in Iran, has revealed efforts to establish an Iranian consulate in Farah Province and a Taliban consulate in Birjand as part of initiatives to strengthen trade and economic relations with Afghanistan. Hashemi stated that the opening of these consulates could serve as a catalyst for enhancing bilateral ties and fostering cooperation across various sectors, particularly in business and commerce. In an interview with reporters, Hashemi explained that, following directives from the Iranian President and the Ministry of the Interior, the authorities in Iran’s border provinces have been granted increased powers to promote and expand economic relations with neighboring countries, especially Afghanistan. He also noted that South Khorasan, with its longest shared border with Afghanistan and four active border markets, has substantial potential to boost trade exchanges. Currently, approximately 95% of South Khorasan’s exports are directed to Afghanistan, underscoring the significance of the Iran-Afghanistan border as a key economic asset.
Hashemi also outlined Iran’s plans to further strengthen ties with the Taliban, revealing that the reopening and activation of the Yazdan, Mil 73, and Dukohaneh border markets are scheduled for 2025. He emphasized: “To bolster trade and facilitate transactions, ongoing meetings with Taliban officials, the creation of joint cooperation committees with Farah Province, and the completion of key transit projects are among Iran’s immediate priorities.” Additionally, the Governor highlighted initiatives aimed at easing business operations and upgrading infrastructure, saying: “In order to address traders’ concerns and streamline commerce, programs such as activating the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, organizing exhibitions, and extending border operating hours will be prioritized.”
Currently, Iran maintains active consulates in Herat, Balkh, Kandahar, and Nangarhar provinces, with plans in place to open a consulate in Farah Province. This development comes amid previously raised concerns from certain Iranian sources about the presence of opposition militants, such as the Jaish al-Adl group, in the border regions of Farah and Nimroz. Iran is regarded as the Taliban’s largest economic partner in Afghanistan, with bilateral trade relations valued at approximately $4 billion.
