The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, met with Marat Shakirzyanovich Khusnullin, the Deputy PM of Russia for Construction and Regional Development Affairs. During the meeting, the two sides discussed political, economic, and trade-related matters.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund stated that the Islamic Emirate seeks to elevate the level of bilateral relations with the Russian Federation and bring them to a formal stage so that, in addition to the political sphere, tangible progress can also be made in the economic sector. He assured that Afghanistan, as a responsible economic partner in the region, would play a positive role.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation for removing the name of the Islamic Emirate from the list of banned organizations. He added that the Islamic Emirate has adopted an economy-centered foreign policy, aiming to turn Afghanistan into a hub for regional economic cooperation, trade, and transit. This approach benefits not only Afghanistan but the entire region.
He further stated that, in pursuit of this goal, the Islamic Emirate is working to facilitate Afghanistan’s exports to regional and distant countries and attract foreign investment in various sectors. Based on this strategy, the Islamic Emirate invites the Russian Federation to invest in urban development, construction of affordable housing, public schools and hospitals, roads, bridges, dams, water supply systems, and electricity distribution networks.
He also highlighted Afghanistan’s strategic location along the North–South Corridor and its interest in playing an effective role in strengthening this corridor and enhancing regional economic connectivity. He emphasized that the involvement of a major and influential country like Russia is vital to ensure that trade and transit routes are not used as tools for obstruction by other countries.
During the meeting, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund mentioned the Afghan-Trans project as a key regional initiative, stating that it plays an important role in linking Central and South Asia. He urged the Russian Federation to cooperate in completing this project according to the set plans.
Following this, Marat Shakirzyanovich Khusnullin, Deputy PM of Russia for Construction and Regional Development, addressed the meeting. He stated that the Islamic Emirate was removed from the list of banned organizations in order to promote bilateral political and economic ties with Afghanistan. He expressed hope that this meeting would pave the way for significant progress in various areas. He affirmed Russia’s readiness to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate on urban development and housing projects.
Mr. Khusnullin praised the achievements of the Islamic Emirate in the transportation sector and acknowledged that there are currently no obstacles in this area within Afghanistan. He added that the Russian Federation is ready to give Afghanistan an active role in the North–South Corridor. In this regard, he requested that the Islamic Emirate officially appoint a representative. He also stressed the importance of completing the Afghan-Trans project.
The Russian Deputy PM emphasized increasing the volume of bilateral trade and enhancing banking cooperation. He stated that a detailed report on these topics would be presented to the PM and President Vladimir Putin, with the goal of sending technical teams to Kabul for follow-up and implementation.
Both sides agreed to appoint official representatives to follow up on the discussed issues and expressed hope that with joint coordination, significant progress would be made in these areas.
Mr. Khusnullin concluded that this meeting was highly important and expressed hope that it would pave the way for the initiation of practical cooperation and stronger coordination between the two countries.