What are the characteristics of a good friend?

A righteous friend is a servant obedient to his Lord, committed to the commands of his religion, hastening with faith towards every good, and turning away with piety from every evil. He loves the Sunnah and its people, shows loyalty for the sake of Allah, shows enmity for the sake of Allah, and is devout and pure. He is one who reminds you of your Lord, supports and shares with you, does not seek out the faults of his brethren, and overlooks them. Muslims are safe from his tongue and hand. He praises his brethren and supplicates for them, agrees with them in good deeds, loves visiting each other and mutual giving, and does not envy them for Allah's blessings upon them. He shares their disliked experiences as he shares their beloved ones, conceals their faults, endears himself to them by doing good and forgiving, and strives to fulfill their needs.