The Iranian Embassy in Kabul announced on Sunday that Seyed Mohammad Atabak, Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade, will soon visit Afghanistan.

The announcement followed a meeting between Atabak and Iran’s ambassador to Kabul, Alireza Bikdeli, held in Tehran.

According to the embassy, Atabak highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation with Afghanistan. He confirmed that he would travel to Kabul leading a delegation.

Iran is seeking to expand its trade relations with the Taliban government. Previously, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, also visited Kabul.

Iran currently holds the largest volume of trade with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Official trade between the two sides is valued at around four billion US dollars.

Taliban officials have encouraged foreign investment in Afghanistan’s mining, oil, and gas sectors.

To further enhance trade and support cross-border commerce, the governor of Iran’s South Khorasan province recently announced plans to open an Iranian consulate in Farah. In return, the Taliban will open a consulate in Birjand.

The tone of Iranian officials towards the Taliban shifted following a visit by a high-ranking US delegation to Kabul.

During his recent visit, Araghchi praised the Taliban’s control over Afghan territory. He said the return of Afghan refugees would be gradual and respectful, in line with Taliban requests.

Araghchi also declared that a new chapter in Iran’s relationship with Taliban-led Afghanistan has begun.