Zamir Kabulov: We are ready to launch major economic projects in Afghanistan

March 24, 2022

First Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar Akhund met with Russia's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, and his delegation at the Chahar Chenar Palace. Mr. Beradar Akhund thanked Russia for its assistance in the humanitarian and security sectors and appreciated the remarks made by the Russian envoy about the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan at international forums and at the recent UN General Assembly. "Russia is a member of the Security Council and the government of the Islamic Emirate has not yet been recognized by any country, so we want Russia as a neighbor to take the first step in recognizing the IEA," he said. According to Mullah Beradar Akhund, this will strengthen the security of the region and strengthen the economy.

Speaking to the Russian delegation, the First Deputy Prime Minister said that the opportunities between Afghanistan and Russia are increasing, and the Islamic Emirate, as a responsible government, is making efforts to make good use of these opportunities.

Mr. Beradar Akhund also welcomed Russia's interest in building the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway and considered Russia's cooperation in this project important.

The head of the Russian delegation, Zamir Kabulov, said the sole purpose of his visit to Afghanistan is to strengthen ties between the two countries and to work together in areas where Afghanistan is most in need of. Mr. Kabulov added that, after technical discussions, work on projects that could play a key role in Afghanistan's economic reconstruction would begin soon.

He said Russia is ready to help Afghanistan with oil and liquefied natural gas. According to Mr. Kabulov, they have large resources of oil and liquid natural gas which can address Afghanistan's needs in this area, and can provide these commodities with good quality and at lower prices.