KABUL (Dispatches) -- Iran’s foreign minister here Sunday lauded neighborly relations between Tehran and Kabul, calling for the expansion of economic ties to secure the national interests of the two Muslim countries.
Abbas Araghchi met with his counterpart in the Taliban-ruled government in Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi. He described Iran and Afghanistan as brothers and friends, which enjoy strong cultural and historical bonds and have maintained close relations throughout history.
“Although there have been ups and downs, our relations with our brothers in Afghanistan have, by and large, been very good and brotherly,” he said.
The top Iranian diplomat expressed satisfaction with the current state of economic, trade, and political relations between the two nations and expressed hope for further expansion of ties during their visit.
“I hope that during this trip we will be able to further expand the relations, which is in the national interests of both sides, in the interests of the people, and foster greater security and peace in our neighborly relations,” he said.
“I hope that more economic relations will be established between Iran and Afghanistan and that these good cultural relations and brotherly ties will become stronger day by day and benefit the two nations.” 
Muttaqi, for his part, warmly welcomed the Iranian delegation and expressed optimism that the planned meetings would be productive and broaden the relations between the two Muslim neighbors.
“Iran and Afghanistan are two neighboring Muslim countries and always share each other’s joys and sorrows, and we hope your trip will be fruitful,” he said.
Araghchi also met with Muhammad Hasan Akhund, the acting prime minister of Afghanistan, and discussed a host of bilateral and regional issues.
The minister said the security and stability of Iran and Afghanistan are interconnected, calling for closer cooperation to resolve issues affecting bilateral relations.
 “We are happy that after four decades, overall security has been established in Afghanistan, and acceptance of diplomats at a high level and the maintenance of relations show that Iran has strong relations with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” Araghchi said.  
“Iran’s security and stability depend on Afghanistan’s security and stability, and the recent developments in Afghanistan have led us to conclude that cooperation with the Islamic Emirate should be further expanded.” 
Araghchi said Iran demands that the terms of the Helmand River Treaty of 1973 outlining the water rights of the two countries be fully implemented.