Iranian pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia to their country via Afghanistan exempted from visa requirements

Kabul

Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), on Thursday announced that Iranian pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia to their country via Afghanistan will be exempt from visa requirements for a period of one month, Afintl.af reports.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the announcement was made during a meeting with Alireza Bigdeli, acting ambassador of Iran in Kabul. Muttaqi stated that relevant authorities in Herat province have been instructed to take all necessary measures to ensure the safe and secure transit of the pilgrims.

He also condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, calling them a clear violation of international law, and reaffirmed Afghanistan’s solidarity with the Iranian people.

In response, the Iranian envoy expressed gratitude for the visa exemption and the facilitation efforts provided by the Islamic Emirate, calling it a commendable step toward strengthening bilateral relations. He expressed hope for the smooth and successful transit of Iranian pilgrims.

Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Set to Expand Transport and Transit Cooperation

According to another report, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan are poised to significantly expand their transport and transit cooperation, the Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation announced, Orient.tm reports.

On June 18, Acting Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Hamidullah Akhundzada, held a meeting in Kabul with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Khoja Ovezov. During the discussion, the Afghan official noted that the current geopolitical climate is favorable for strengthening bilateral engagement.

According to a statement from the Afghan ministry, the two sides discussed ways to enhance mutual relations, increase the volume of commercial freight transportation, and streamline visa issuance procedures for Afghan truck drivers.

Ambassador Ovezov reaffirmed Ashgabat’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Afghanistan across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on transport and transit connectivity.

Radio Television of Afghanistan reported that in the current period, political, economic, and trade ties between Kabul and the countries of Central Asia have reached an unprecedented level of development.