‘Kabul should inform world of Iran’s sacrifices in drug fight’

TEHRAN, Dec. 30 (MNA) -- Afghan Drug Control Minister Zerar Ahmad Moghbel held talks here on Wednesday with Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi.

Salehi said Iran has made great efforts to help Afghans in their campaign against drugs.

The acting minister also said like in the past Kabul should inform other countries of Iran’s sacrifices in the campaign against drug trafficking.

Salehi said Iran has never been appreciated for its efforts in the fight against drugs trafficking, although it has incurred heavy costs.

Moghbel, for his part, said a regional cooperation is needed to uproot poppy cultivation as the main source of opium and heroin.

The minister went on to say that Afghanistan should have a supporting program for its farmers in order to discourage them from cultivating poppy and Iran can play an important role in this regard.

According to the UN, Afghanistan produces about 90 percent of opium produced in the world. Local and international bodies have been suggesting other crops to replace opium poppy.

Moghbel also said Afghanistan needs Iran’s help in facilitating an export of agricultural crops and also Iran’s experience in rehabilitating drug addicts.

Iran should maintain its special position in campaigns against drugs in Afghanistan, Moghbel added.

He also thanked Iran for hosting three million Afghan immigrants.