Iran Discussing Ways to Permanent Supply of Afghanistan Electricity

Iranian Minister of Energy (Water and Electricity) Reza Ardakanian  exchanged views with Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mohammad Hanif Atmar on the permanent transmission of electricity to Afghanistan. The two also discussed, through a videoconference, preparation for holding a joint economic commission next month to plan and implement joint economic programs, Mehr News Agency (MNA) reported on Sunday.

The Iranian and Afghanistan’s officials further held talks on implementation of electricity generation program within the framework of joint projects, reducing tariffs on imported electricity, customs tariffs and creating preferential tariffs on Afghan agricultural exports to Iran. The Iranian energy minister emphasized Tehran’s support for cooperation with Kabul, especially in the field of energy production and transmission.

Last month, a delegation from the Iranian ministry of energy traveled to Afghanistan to develop mutual relations and discuss joint ventures in electricity sector. Afghanistan currently imports electricity from neighboring Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Iran’s Ambassador to Kabul Bahador Aminian said on September 23 that the country’s Energy Ministry has adopted a plan to meet Afghanistan’s electricity need. “The two countries have many opportunities to promote ties in different fields, so if Afghanistan intends to develop these ties, Iran would be the best option,” Aminian said at the opening ceremony of “Water, Electricity and Renewable Energy Exhibition” in Afghanistan. Pointing to the importance of Afghanistan’s market for the Iranian private sector, he added, “Statistics indicate that Afghanistan is importing about US$3 billion annually, so if the country provides a broader market for Iranian goods, Iranian producers are willing to cooperate with Afghan partners.” - Iran Daily, Iran News Daily