Afghanistan and Iran Emphasize Expansion of Cooperation in Standards and Quality

In order to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand technical and economic engagements, Al-Haj Mullah Abdullah Bashir, Director General of the Standard and Quality Authority (ASQA), met with Mr. Alireza Bigdeli, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Afghanistan, at his office.

The meeting was also attended by Al-Haj Maulvi Ataullah Farid, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration of the Standard and Quality Authority; Maulvi Wahid Ahmad Badri, Chief of Staff of the Authority; Mr. Mohammad Ali Rahimian, Economic Representative of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and several officials from both sides.

Welcoming the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Director General of the Standard and Quality Authority stated: "The standardization of exports and imports is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the Standard and Quality Authority. Compliance with standards by the traders of both nations not only enhances the quality of goods but also plays a vital role in protecting the health, rights, and public interests of the people."

In continuation, Mr. Bigdeli, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations between the two countries, noting: "Afghanistan and Iran are two neighboring, brotherly Muslim countries with extensive trade relations."

He added that the National Standards Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared to cooperate with the Afghan Standard and Quality Authority in all aspects related to standards, standardization, and the transfer of technical expertise. Furthermore, he extended an official invitation to the Director General of the Standard and Quality Authority to visit Iran and inspect the country’s standards organization and related facilities.

In conclusion, both parties emphasized the continuation of constructive interactions, the development of specialized cooperation, and the utilization of existing capacities to further consolidate trade relations between the two countries.

This meeting is considered an effective step toward strengthening friendly relations, expanding technical cooperation, and enhancing economic ties between Afghanistan and Iran, paving the way for the implementation of joint programs in the fields of standardization, quality enhancement, and support for standard-based trade.