Russia's special presidential representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, has announced that a large Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk will soon visit Afghanistan. Kabulov made the statement at a joint meeting of the CSTO, CIS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
According to Kabulov, the primary agenda for the high-level visit is the expansion of economic relations with the Taliban government. This development signals a significant step in Moscow's engagement with Kabul since the Taliban returned to power.
The upcoming trip follows a recent visit to Afghanistan by Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia's foreign intelligence service. During his trip, Naryshkin met with the Taliban's chief of intelligence, indicating deepening security and diplomatic contacts between the two sides.
Russia has expressed strategic interest in developing new trade routes, including a potential road and rail link to India that would pass through Afghanistan. Such a corridor would help Moscow reduce its reliance on existing transit paths and open up new markets.
In his remarks, Kabulov also highlighted the growth in bilateral trade, stating that the volume between Afghanistan and Russia had doubled in the first half of the current year. This underscores the increasing economic cooperation between the two nations.
Kabulov also offered a political assessment, stating, "Afghanistan, after 20 years of US and NATO occupation, is standing on its own feet. This is of considerable importance." This comment reflects Russia's perspective on the post-US withdrawal landscape in Afghanistan and its desire to play a more prominent role in the region. The visit is expected to focus on concrete economic and infrastructure projects.
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