Iran, Afghanistan vow to expand cooperation in diverse areas

　　TEHRAN, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Afghanistan have expressed their readiness to expand bilateral cooperation in various areas, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

　　In a phone call on Sunday, Iranian Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Afghan caretaker government's Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi discussed bilateral cooperation and the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement released by the ministry.

　　Bagheri Kani underscored Iran's determination to help Afghanistan overcome its challenges and advance its progress, voicing Tehran's readiness to cooperate with Kabul in different areas and continue helping Afghans.

　　Bagheri Kani also called for joint actions by Muslim countries, especially within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to pressure Israel into ceasing its "crimes" against Palestinians.

　　Muttaqi, for his part, hailed "good" relations between Afghanistan and Iran, expressing hope that cooperation between Kabul and Tehran would be further promoted in different areas. ■