As ties grow, Russian tourism firms offer trips to Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): In the wake of Russia’s official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Russian travel companies have launched promoting one-week tourism packages to Afghanistan, with the first group of tourists expected to arrive by mid-July.

Russian tour operators have launched advertisements offering organized, weeklong trips to Afghanistan priced at approximately 235,000 rubles (around $3,000), the Moscow Times reported.

These offers, recently posted on Russian online platforms, are targeted at Russian citizens seeking to explore the country.

The move comes as Moscow strengthens its relationship with the IEA. Last week, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the caretaker government in Kabul.

Following the recognition, Russian officials expressed readiness to cooperate with Afghanistan in several sectors, including energy, agriculture, transport, and infrastructure.

Talks have also been held on expanding trade and investment opportunities, despite ongoing international sanctions on IEA leadership.

kk/ma