Afghanistan eyes more oil, wheat imports from Russia

KABUL (Pajhwok): Kabul and Moscow have discussed the creation of an enabling environment for increased bilateral trade ties, says a media report.

A state-run Russian news agency reported the two sides held talks in Kabul last week on upgrading their trade links.

Sputnik quoted the Russian embassy in Kabul as saying President Putin’s special envoy Zamir Kabulov met representatives of the caretaker Afghan government in Kabul from January 11 to January 13.

“The development of trade and economic ties was discussed with the Afghan partners, including an increase in imports from Russia and the creation of favorable conditions for Afghan exports to the Russian Federation,” an embassy spokesperson said.

According to Kabulov, the two sides have agreed on cooperating on the most important items for Afghanistan like wheat and oil products.

Russia has agreed to supply Afghanistan with two million tonnes of wheat annually. Moscow has also hinted at selling Kabul one million tonnes of diesel and the same amount of gasoline.

PAN Monitor/mud