OMM Newsroom
Afghan and Russian companies signed 15 trade agreements worth a total of $103 million in Kabul on Thursday, AnewZ reported. The signing took place during Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk’s visit to Afghanistan.
The memorandums of understanding cover imports of medicines, wheat, flour and cooking oil into Afghanistan, as well as exports of Afghan agricultural products, particularly pomegranates, to Russia. The date when the agreements will take effect has not been announced.
Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar attended the signing ceremony.
Trade and investment cooperation
Overchuk arrived in Kabul accompanied by about 70 Russian businesspeople. He met Baradar and Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan at the Arg Palace.
According to Overchuk, trade between the two countries more than doubled in the first eight months of 2026, exceeding $349 million. Russia’s imports from Afghanistan also rose by 2.2% to $12.8 million.
Overchuk said Moscow would support the recovery of Afghanistan’s economy and the creation of new jobs: “It is important for us to contribute to the recovery of the Afghan economy. This will also create employment opportunities.”
Baradar asked Russia to facilitate market access for Afghan products and reduce transportation costs. He also encouraged Russian investment in mining, manufacturing, special economic zones and major infrastructure projects, including construction of the second section of the Salang Tunnel.
Moscow’s recognition of the Afghan government
Prime Minister Hasan welcomed Russia’s decision to recognize his government and expressed gratitude for Moscow’s support on the international stage. “Your support will create additional opportunities for Afghanistan’s development,” he said.
Russia became the first and, so far, only country to formally recognize the Taliban government in July 2025. Other countries have refrained from recognizing the government, citing a number of concerns, including restrictions on women and girls.
The Kabul visit followed talks in Moscow in October between Overchuk and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting discussed expanding trade, energy cooperation and transport links.
