Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Afghanistan's Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, met with Iran's Minister of Energy, Ali Akbar Mehrabian, during his visit to Iran
The discussions centered on water management, technical cooperation in electricity production in Afghanistan, investment, advanced irrigation systems for agriculture, and drought relief in both nations. Mullah Baradar Akhund highlighted the adverse impact of recent droughts on the region's water resources, particularly in Afghanistan, resulting in a significant decline in surface and underground water levels and internal displacement. Mullah Baradar Akhund added that a technical delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran had recently visited the Helmand River and acknowledged the reduction in water levels. This confirmed the stance of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan regarding this issue. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister requested Iran's assistance in sharing technical expertise and cooperating in domestic electricity production in Afghanistan, given the country's substantial potential in hydropower, wind, solar, and coal power generation after emerging from war and occupation. Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian affirmed Iran's commitment to joint efforts with Afghanistan to combat drought, offering technical cooperation in electricity production. He also pledged support for investment and the efficient management and utilization of water resources.