Iran has offered to work with Afghanistan on oil and gas exploration, extraction and exports as well as refinery construction. The offer came from Iran's ambassador in Kabul, Ali Reza Bikdeli, during a meeting on Tuesday with Ahmad Jan Bilal, the Islamic Emirate's General Director of State-Owned Corporations.
According to a statement from the General Directorate of State-Owned Corporations, the meeting reviewed how to implement the issues discussed during Bilal's recent visit to Iran. Bikdeli called the visit positive and productive and stressed the need for practical follow-up.
The ambassador said Iran was also ready to cooperate with Afghanistan in agriculture, water and electricity.
Bilal said the Islamic Emirate wanted to expand joint work with Iran in energy, agriculture, industrial development and other economic sectors, and that his office would work with the Iranian side to turn the proposed areas into concrete initiatives.
Bilal recently led a delegation to Iran, where he held talks with several Iranian officials on expanding economic, trade and investment links, particularly involving state-owned companies.