Afghanistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, expand border infrastructure and improve customs operations during a meeting between their senior officials in Tehran.

According to a statement by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance, Minister of Finance Mohammad Nasir Akhund and his accompanying delegation met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs during an official visit to Iran.

The discussions focused on organizing the next meeting of the two countries’ Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, expanding border infrastructure at the Abu Nasr Farahi customs crossing and accelerating its reconstruction process.

Both sides also discussed operating customs facilities around the clock and speeding up efforts to increase the capacity of the Dogharoon, Mahirud and Milak border crossings.

According to the ministry, Araghchi praised Afghanistan’s efforts to combat narcotics and commended the Islamic Emirate’s role in promoting economic stability in the country.

The Iranian foreign minister also assured Afghanistan of Tehran’s full cooperation in economic and political affairs.

The meeting comes as Afghanistan and Iran seek to strengthen cross-border trade, improve transit facilities and expand bilateral economic relations.