Taliban Officials Seek Enhanced Support for Afghan Pilgrims Traveling to Iraq

The Deputy Minister of Information and Culture of the Taliban has called for increased facilities to assist Afghan pilgrims traveling to Iraq’s holy sites through Iran during a meeting with the Iranian ambassador. The discussions also included the expansion of educational cooperation and the sharing of Iranian experiences in the tourism sector.

Enhancing Accessibility for Afghan Pilgrims

During an official visit, Qudratullah Jamal, the Deputy Minister for Administrative and Financial Affairs of the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture, met with Alireza Baqiddli, the Iranian ambassador to Afghanistan. The two discussed the necessity of improving facilities for Afghan pilgrims, particularly for those heading to the revered city of Karbala in Iraq. The Ministry released a statement emphasizing the importance of enhancing bilateral relationships and utilizing regional capacities.

Appeal for Services in Health, Education, and Transit

In this context, the Deputy Minister highlighted the need for Iran to provide essential services in tourism, health care, education, and transit for Afghan citizens. He pointed out that establishing these facilities would greatly assist Afghan pilgrims, allowing them to traverse the route from Iran to Iraq with fewer obstacles. For more on healthcare collaboration, see Taliban Health Minister Visits India to Strengthen Healthcare Collaboration.

Proposals for Scientific and Educational Collaboration in Tourism

The meeting also focused on potential scientific collaborations. Jamal urged the Iranian ambassador to leverage academic resources and experiences from Iranian educational institutions to organize seminars and short training courses for Afghan tourism experts and educators.

According to Kabul officials, implementing these programs could significantly enhance the professional capabilities within Afghanistan’s tourism sector. Both parties concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to ongoing cooperation in cultural and educational realms.