TEHRAN, Iran, Jan.6
Trend:
Iran is preparing to hold talks on water-related issues with Afghanistan, regarding the Helmand river, the advisor to Minister of Energy of Iran Mohammad Ali Farahnakian told Trend.
The construction of a dam on the Helmand River in Afghanistan has turned into a depute with Iran over water rights while water shortage and environmental challenges including droughts, a decline of rainfall have affected agricultural production in both countries.
"In the current situation, Iran is persisting to have its right on water from Afghanistan, and we will hold a joint meeting with the new government in Afghanistan soon, Mohammad Ali Farahnakian noted.
The two countries have water commitments based on the Afghan-Iranian Helmand River Water Treaty in 1972, the new Afghan government has agreed to comply based on the treaty, the official indicated.
The water allocation is calculated based on wet or drought years, Afghanistan has accepted the main principle but the new government has requested an opportunity to review it, Farahnakian explained.