No talks yet with Russia on air defence systems: MoD

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has clarified that no discussions have occurred with Russia on the purchase of air defence systems.

This comes in response to a statement by Gen. Sayed Abdul Basir Saberi, head of the logistics department at MoD, had told TASS Afghanistan needed air defence and airspace control equipment and was considering acquiring them from Russia.

But MoD spokesman Enayatullah Khwarizmi said Saberi's remarks had been quoted out of context by TASS. He emphasised no such discussions with Russia had taken place yet.

Earlier, Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was making efforts to gain control of the country's airspace.

sa/mud