Russian Delegation in Kabul for Trade and Investment Talks with Taliban Government

A Russian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk arrived in Kabul on Thursday for trade and investment talks with the Taliban government, Afghan officials said. The visit underscores Moscow's growing engagement with Kabul, which remains largely isolated internationally and is eager to attract foreign investment and open new trade routes.

Russia officially recognized the Taliban government in July 2025, making it the only country to do so since the former insurgent group seized power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops. The delegation's visit is seen as a significant step in deepening bilateral economic cooperation.

According to Russia's Interfax news agency, Overchuk was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund and Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy prime minister for economic affairs. In a meeting with Baradar, the Afghan side highlighted the country's strategic location, rich resources, and a workforce of 24 million people of working age, according to posts on the Afghan government's official X account.

Baradar invited Russian companies to invest in Afghanistan's mineral extraction, factory development, infrastructure, and special economic zones, the government said. He also proposed expanding exports of Afghan agricultural products to Russia and sought Russian investment in agriculture and livestock farming.

The Afghan deputy prime minister further asked Russia to facilitate access for Afghan products in Russian markets and to cooperate in reducing transportation and transit costs. He noted investment opportunities in railway and road construction projects, according to the statement.

Interfax quoted Overchuk as saying that Russia intends to develop trade ties with Afghanistan. "Today our delegation includes more than 70 businessmen representing dozens of Russian companies, many of which already work in Afghanistan, (while) many want to begin working," he said. "For our part, first of all, we see the task in creating conditions for contacts between business communities to develop normally."