Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Meets with Deputy PM of the Russian Federation

The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, met today (Thursday), November 12, 2026, with the Deputy PM of the Russian Federation, Alexey Overchuk, and his accompanying delegation at the Chahar Chinar Palace of the Arg.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the expansion of economic and trade relations, joint investment, and practical cooperation.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund stated that Afghanistan, with its strategic geographical location and abundant natural resources, possesses significant potential for economic growth and joint investment. Accordingly, he invited Russian investors and companies to invest in the mining, oil and gas, energy, industry, agriculture, healthcare, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund emphasized the importance of cooperation from the Russian Federation in facilitating access for Afghan exports to Russian markets, reducing transit and transportation costs, and simplifying customs procedures to increase bilateral trade volume.
During the meeting, the Afghan side also requested increased exports of Afghan agricultural products to Russia, particularly pine nuts, saffron, pomegranates, grapes, and cotton, as well as measures to facilitate the issuance of long-term Russian visas to Afghan traders.
Subsequently, the Deputy PM of the Russian Federation, Alexey Overchuk, delivered his remarks. He expressed satisfaction with the significant progress achieved in various sectors in Afghanistan, particularly the establishment of nationwide security and stability, the implementation of infrastructure projects, efforts to combat narcotics, and the introduction of systematic reforms in the financial and banking sectors.
Mr. Overchuk stated that the Russian Federation considers Afghanistan an important regional partner and is therefore interested in expanding cooperation across various sectors, particularly in the economic and trade fields.
He further noted that trade between Russia and Afghanistan has increased recently and that, to further expand bilateral trade, the Russian side is prepared to purchase greater quantities of Afghan agricultural products.
The head of the Russian delegation, Mr. Overchuk, added that Russia is ready to invest and engage in economic cooperation in Afghanistan in the areas of mineral extraction, electricity generation, pharmaceutical production, industry, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and other sectors.
It is worth noting that the Russian delegation visiting Kabul comprises 130 members, including representatives of various federal ministries and agencies, investors, traders, and industrialists.