TEHRAN — Through bilateral cooperation Iran and Afghanistan could eradicate terrorism and drug smuggling which have negative effects on the regional stability and security, Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said in a meeting with Afghan ambassador to Tehran Mohammad Yahya Maroufi on Saturday.

Referring to Iran’s long borders with Afghanistan and the strong historical, cultural and ethnic bonds between the two countries, Iranian defense minister underlined the importance of expanding ties with Kabul.
Bolstering defense ties with all neighboring Muslim countries, especially with the friendly and brotherly nation of Afghanistan, is a top priority of the Iranian foreign policy, Najjar noted.
He further emphasized the need for the establishment of an Iran-Afghanistan joint defense commission.
Afghanistan’s envoy presented the Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak’s warm compliments to Najjar and called for strengthening bilateral ties in all areas.
On behalf of the Afghan defense minister, he invited Gen. Najjar for an official visit to Afghanistan.
""We believe that the trip would be a turning point in the two countries' defense ties,"" he added.
Maroufi further appreciated Iran's unfailing supports for the establishment of peace, stability and security in Afghanistan, saying that expanding comprehensive ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran is on the Afghan foreign policy agenda.