High-ranking officials from the Taliban engaged in discussions with Iran’s foreign minister on Sunday regarding heightened tensions at their mutual border, the treatment of Afghan refugees residing in Iran, and issues related to water rights.

This meeting marked the first time an Iranian foreign minister visited the Afghan capital since 2017.

Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to the safe return of approximately 3.5 million Afghan refugees, asserting that Iran has no plans to meddle in Afghanistan’s internal matters, as per remarks from Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman for the Afghan government.

Aragchi also stressed the importance of fully implementing the Helmand River water agreement, which is designed to regulate shared water resources between the two nations, according to the statement.

During the discussions, Acting Prime Minister Hassan Akhund urged Iran to treat the Afghan refugees with dignity and pointed out that a rapid, large-scale repatriation was not a practical option.

He highlighted that events like the execution of Afghans on Iranian soil tend to stir negative sentiments within the public in Afghanistan.

In addition to Akhund, Aragchi held meetings with Afghanistan’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob.

Earlier that day, Iran’s state news outlet IRNA reported Aragchi expressing aspirations for enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening relations with Afghanistan, despite experiencing some fluctuations in their interactions in the past.

While Iran does not officially recognize the Taliban administration that took control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces after two decades of conflict, Tehran continues to sustain both political and economic relationships with Kabul.

Moreover, Iran has permitted the Taliban to oversee Afghanistan’s embassy located within Iran’s capital.