Iran’s Foreign Minister, who is visiting Kabul for talks with officials of Afghanistan’s interim government, held a meeting on Sunday evening with members of Afghanistan’s Shia Scholars Council. During the meeting, the council members expressed gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for hosting Afghan nationals over the past 45 years and for providing opportunities for many Afghans to study and live in Iran. They emphasized the importance of sustaining and strengthening the people-to-people ties between the two nations. The members of the council expressed their satisfaction with the growing exchanges between Iran and Afghanistan, describing the enhancement of bilateral relations as being in the interest of both nations. They also highlighted the significance of expanding scientific and cultural engagements and dialogues among scholars from both countries, including Shia and Sunni figures, noting that such efforts are instrumental in advancing Islamic unity. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, in turn, outlined the 14th administration’s foreign policy approach toward neighboring countries. Araghchi reaffirmed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s determination to deepen relations with Afghanistan across various fields, including economic, trade, and cultural cooperation. Araghchi further underscored the critical role of Afghanistan’s Shia scholars and the Shia community in the country’s scientific, cultural, and religious development. He emphasized that fostering amicable and fraternal relations among Afghanistan’s diverse ethnic and religious groups is essential for creating a secure and progressive society. The Iranian foreign minister called for strengthening bonds of unity and friendship among followers of different ethnicities and sects within Afghanistan.