TEHRAN – Iran and Afghanistan issued a joint statement in Tehran on Sunday according to which the two countries agreed to work together to achieve “common strategies” on issues related to “national security” interests.

The statement was issued after a second round of talks between Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Hanif Atmar, the national security advisor to the Afghan president.

“The two countries will make efforts to achieve common strategies in areas related to national security,” the statement said.

The statement also highlighted the importance of establishing “long lasting relations” and providing the two countries’ people with peace and welfare.

The first round of talks between Shamakhani and Atmar took place on Saturday. The Talks mainly focused on fighting terrorism and drug smuggling, controlling borders, and sharing water.

Shamkhani said it is necessary to secure borders for economic development.

The top Afghan security official also held talks with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday.

NA/PA