Afghan president in Iran for talks to boost ties

Tehran, April 19: Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks to boost ties and discuss issues of mutual interest with senior Iranian officials. The president made his first trip to Iran at the invitation of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Xinhua news agency reported.

He is accompanied by Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, Fince Minister Eklil Ahmad Hakimi, Mines and Petroleum Minister Daud Saba and Minister of Refugees and Repatriation Sayed Hussain Alemi Balkhi. Iran is a major investor in Afghanistan’s roads and bridge projects as well as in its agriculture and healthcare.

The trade ties between the two countries over the past decade have grown considerably with Iran importing fresh and dried fruits, minerals, precious stones, spices, nuts, carpets, agricultural products as well as handicrafts from Afghanistan. (IANS)