Kabul eyes purchase of Russian arms, vaccine

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan has evinced an interest in purchasing weapons and Covid-19 vaccine from Russia.

In an interview, the Afghan ambassador to Russia hoped Moscow would also mull over fixing existing Russian equipment, particularly helicopters.

Said Tayeb Jawad told TASS news agency: “Our cadets are getting training here, especially from the Ministry of Interior, which is good.”

Russia would agree to provide an opportunity for Afghanistan to train its pilots and mechanical engineers, the ambassador said.

The diplomat added his country was willing to consider the purchase or production of Sputnik — the Russia-manufactured COVID-19 vaccine.

Jawad said: “If they tell us they will give it to us, we will find a way, either purchasing it or whatever way is possible.”

Five months ago, Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov had hinted at a possible delivery of the vaccine to Afghanistan.

There had been no progress yet in this regard, explained the diplomat, who continued: “We asked Russia, but we did not see any movement on this.”

He went on to voice concern at a second or third wave of the pandemic in Afghanistan, like in India and other countries.

Jawad said: “We know the Sputnik vaccine is very effective, so if they provide it to us, we will take it.”

PAN Monitor/mud