Afghan president in Iran for talks to boost mutual ties

The President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks to boost mutual ties and discuss issues of mutual interest with senior Iranian officials, local media said.

The Afghanistan president made his first trip to Iran at the invitation of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

He is accompanied by Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, Finance 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 health care.

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.

Iran's exports to its neighboring country include oil products, cement, construction material, carpets, home appliances, and detergents.