UN Hails Iran’s War on Drugs

Local Editor

The United Nations has lauded Iran for the positive steps it has taken to fight narcotics and tackle drug-trafficking issues, saying there is room for closer cooperation.

Concluding a two-day official visit to Iran Sunday night, UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Staffan de Mistura also highlilghted Iran's willingness to revitalize the Triangular Initiative (part of UNODC's strategy to counter Afghan illicit drugs), and underscored there is potential for further cooperation.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is an important neighbor, and the UN will continue to facilitate constructive engagement with Afghan counterparts on issues of mutual concern towards furthering stability in Afghanistan, which is in the interest of both countries and the international community at large", he said.

The top UN official's trip to Tehran was to brief Iranian authorities on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which de Mistura heads, and to encourage further regional cooperation.