Khairullah Khairkhwa, the acting Minister of Information and Culture, emphasized the strengthening of cultural relations between Afghanistan and Russia during his visit to Russia.
Khairkhwa, in a meeting with officials in Saint Petersburg, called for organizing joint exhibitions between the two countries to promote mutual understanding of Russian and Afghan cultures.
Meanwhile, the Russian Minister of Culture, during a meeting with Khairullah Khairkhwa, expressed their readiness to provide educational opportunities for Afghan youth and stated that organizing exhibitions would help in introducing the cultures of both countries.
Khobaib Ghafran, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture, said: “This cultural event was aimed at providing a platform for dialogue and exchanging views on strengthening relations between the two countries. He also appreciated the efforts of the Islamic Emirate in preserving cultural heritage and noted that organizing cultural exhibitions would further enhance cooperation in this area.”
Kitab Khan Fayzi, a cultural affairs expert, commented: “If exhibitions showcasing Afghanistan’s ancient and historical artifacts are organized in Russia, it would enable the Russian people and the rest of the world to recognize Afghanistan’s historical identity through these exhibitions.”
The acting Minister of Information and Culture also met with the head and members of the Afghan Cultural Association in Russia during his visit and remarked that after four decades, Afghanistan now has a government that holds full authority over the entire country.
In this meeting, Khairullah Khairkhwa further stated that Afghanistan’s territorial integrity is more secure than in the past, and there is an ongoing serious fight against administrative corruption and drug trafficking in the country.
Mohammad Zalmai Afghan Yar, a political affairs expert, said: “Diplomatic meetings between officials of the interim government of Afghanistan and Moscow could be essential for discussing appropriate diplomatic steps and for Afghanistan’s exit from isolation, as Russia is one of the five countries with veto power in the United Nations.”
Moeen Gul Samakni, another political affairs expert, added: “China and Russia have used their veto power in favor of Afghanistan for the second time in the Security Council, and besides that, they maintain close political, cultural, and diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.”
The acting Minister of Information and Culture, leading a delegation, traveled to Russia on Tuesday to participate in a four-day conference titled “Union of Cultures,” hosted by Russia.