Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Meets U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs

The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, today, Sep 13, 2025, met with the delegation led by Adam Boehler, the U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, which also included Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Peace.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the current situation in Afghanistan, the region, and the world, and exchanged views on bilateral political and economic relations between Afghanistan and the United States.

At the outset, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, referring to the country’s economic progress, stated that with the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, the economic situation, which had faced serious threats, is now improving. He noted that administrative corruption no longer exists, the cultivation and trafficking of narcotics have been completely prevented, unemployment has decreased, and the Afghan currency has remained stable against foreign currencies.

The Deputy PM further added that progress has been made in the banking sector, alongside growth in exports, imports, and national revenues. Domestic production has increased, major projects have been initiated, and advancements have been achieved in industry, trade, and transit.

Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund, referring to the sanctions imposed on Afghanistan by the United States and the international community, remarked that in some areas progress has not been achieved as needed due to these economic sanctions.

He also said that by adopting an economy-oriented and balanced foreign policy, Afghanistan has been able to establish good political and economic relations with some countries.

The Deputy PM mentioned the enactment of simplified laws to attract investment, stating that such laws have been created and that the rights and demands of all are addressed in light of Sharia principles.

He further noted that beyond electricity, mining, agriculture, transport, infrastructure, communications, technology, and health, Afghanistan requires investment in many other sectors as well. The Islamic Emirate has facilitated opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors in this regard. According to him, Afghanistan possesses vast natural resources, creating a favorable environment for investment. The Hajigak iron mine in Bamiyan, the oil fields of Katwaaz and Helmand, the oil field of Herat, and rare minerals represent excellent opportunities for investment.

The Deputy PM said that investment opportunities have also been made available in the construction of roads, railways, and transport terminals, as well as in construction, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, handicrafts, regional connectivity, and banking.

He added that an inter-ministerial investment committee has been established to facilitate investors, with the mandate to provide full support to domestic and foreign investors. In addition, a consultative economic board is being established to promote economic development, and practical work is underway on drafting Afghanistan’s five-year national development strategy.

Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund called on the U.S. delegation to pursue engagement rather than confrontation in Afghanistan, to play its role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and to take advantage of existing investment opportunities in various sectors.

Subsequently, Adam Boehler, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, delivered remarks, noting that the United States and Afghanistan have properly implemented the Doha Agreement and that neither side has violated the accord. He praised Afghanistan’s economic achievements and emphasized the expansion and strengthening of relations and engagement between the two countries.

Adam Boehler, referring to the issue of detained citizens between Afghanistan and the United States, said that both countries will exchange prisoners. The U.S. delegation also expressed its willingness to cooperate in Afghanistan’s economic sector and stated that they are prepared to invest in Afghanistan.