Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, met with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister for Construction and Regional Development, Marat Shakirzyanovich Khusnullin, to discuss strengthening bilateral political, economic, and trade relations.

The meeting marked a significant step toward formalizing ties between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Russian Federation.

Deputy PM Baradar Akhund emphasized Afghanistan’s commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a formal level, aiming for tangible progress in the economic sphere alongside political cooperation. He highlighted Afghanistan’s economy-centered foreign policy, which seeks to position the country as a hub for regional trade, transit, and economic cooperation. “Afghanistan, as a responsible economic partner, will play a positive role in benefiting the entire region,” Baradar stated.

Expressing gratitude to Russia’s Supreme Court for removing the Islamic Emirate from its list of banned organizations, Baradar invited Russian investment in key sectors, including urban development, affordable housing, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, dams, water supply systems, and electricity distribution networks. He underscored Afghanistan’s strategic position along the North–South Corridor, emphasizing its potential to enhance regional connectivity and the need for Russia’s involvement to ensure unobstructed trade routes.

Baradar also spotlighted the Afghan-Trans project, a critical initiative for linking Central and South Asia, urging Russia to collaborate on its timely completion.

In response, Deputy PM Khusnullin affirmed that the delisting of the Islamic Emirate was intended to foster political and economic ties. He expressed optimism that the meeting would catalyze progress in multiple areas, particularly urban development and housing. Khusnullin praised Afghanistan’s advancements in transportation, noting no current obstacles in this sector, and confirmed Russia’s readiness to grant Afghanistan an active role in the North–South Corridor. He requested the Islamic Emirate appoint an official representative to coordinate these efforts.

Khusnullin stressed the importance of increasing bilateral trade and improving banking cooperation, committing to present a detailed report to Russia’s Prime Minister and President Vladimir Putin. He proposed sending technical teams to Kabul to advance implementation.

Both sides agreed to appoint representatives to follow up on the discussed issues and expressed confidence in achieving significant progress through joint coordination. Khusnullin described the meeting as “highly important,” expressing hope that it would lay the foundation for practical cooperation and stronger ties between Kabul and Moscow.

The discussions signal a new chapter in Afghanistan-Russia relations, with both nations poised to deepen economic collaboration and leverage Afghanistan’s strategic location to enhance regional connectivity. (ILKHA)