TEHRAN - In a recent development, the Iranian president's special envoy on Afghanistan affairs has shed light on the reluctance of the West to see Afghanistan achieve stability and security.

Hassan Kazemi Qomi stated, "I explicitly declare that the external and collaborative origins of the terrorist acts in Kandahar and the recent incident in Moscow are the same."

During an exclusive interview with Iranian media, the senior Iranian diplomat underscored the crucial link between regional security and Afghanistan's stability. He delved into discussions with senior Turkmenistan officials and shed light on Iran's regional endeavors to tackle security challenges in Afghanistan and the region's water crisis.

Reflecting on the current situation in Afghanistan, Kazemi Qomi remarked, "The prevailing conditions in Afghanistan today, resulting from 20 years of US and NATO occupation, have left the country in ruins. We witness the destruction of its infrastructure, mass migration of its people, mostly to Iran, and the proliferation of terrorism."

He further lamented, "Unfortunately, terrorism, supported by foreign powers or past occupiers of the country, has deeply embroiled the people and leaders of Afghanistan in combating terrorism, economic problems, and environmental challenges. These issues have also impacted the security landscape of Afghanistan's neighboring countries."

Moreover, he underscored the unanimous consensus among Afghanistan's neighboring countries on the imperative need for collective cooperation to tackle the myriad challenges confronting the Afghan people and authorities. He outlined shared goals encompassing counterterrorism efforts, security enhancement, economic revitalization, humanitarian assistance, and border stability.

Shifting focus to the water scarcity issue in the region, Kazemi Qomi voiced grave concerns about the crisis exacerbated by ecosystem changes, which pose a dire threat to the region's environment. He stressed the urgent necessity for regional cooperation to mitigate the water crisis, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new circumstances while upholding past treaties and agreements between the involved countries.