A Russian delegation, led by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian National Security Council, announced during a meeting with several officials of the Islamic Emirate that the name of the Islamic Emirate will be removed from Russia’s blacklist in the near future.
The Deputy Economic Chief of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Acting Minister of Defense welcomed Russia’s decision to remove the name of the Islamic Emirate from the blacklist.
In separate meetings between the Russian delegation and the political, economic, and defense divisions of the Islamic Emirate, discussions were held about expanding political relations, enhancing economic cooperation, increasing the level of trade and transit, and promoting Russian investment in Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the Deputy Economic Chief of the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the Islamic Emirate is working to ensure security and economic development in the country. For this purpose, poppy cultivation has been halted, and all groups threatening the security of Afghanistan and the region have been eliminated.
Hamidullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said: “In this meeting, the two sides discussed the development of economic, trade, and security relations and emphasized Russian investment in infrastructure projects, reducing tariffs on export items in customs, and creating a joint trade forum.”
The Secretary of the Russian National Security Council also emphasized during the meeting with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar that Russia is keen on strengthening bilateral relations with Afghanistan.
Abdul Shakoor Dadras, a legal expert, said: “The Islamic Emirate must draft, approve, and implement its foreign policy to establish good and effective relations with all countries in the world.”
Hewad Zazai, a political analyst, said: “Removing the name of the Islamic Emirate from the blacklist reflects its main demand. This is a positive step in expanding Afghanistan’s relations with Russia, playing a significant role in strengthening mutual trust between the two countries.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the establishment of a joint governmental commission to promote broader cooperation in trade, transit, and investment.