Afghanistan and Russia have signed 15 economic cooperation agreements worth a total of $103 million as the two countries seek to expand trade, investment and economic ties.
The agreements were signed between Afghan and Russian private-sector companies during a visit to Kabul by a large Russian delegation. They cover the import of medicines, wheat, flour and cooking oil into Afghanistan, as well as the export of Afghan agricultural products, particularly fresh fruit such as pomegranates, to Russia.
Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk held talks with Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar. The two sides discussed expanding trade, joint investment and practical cooperation.
Mr Overchuk said Russia was interested in expanding economic cooperation with Afghanistan in areas including mining, electricity generation, pharmaceutical production, industry, infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare.
Afghan officials also called on Russian companies to invest in mining, oil and gas, energy, telecommunications and infrastructure, while asking Moscow to facilitate access for Afghan exports to Russian markets and reduce transit and customs barriers.
The Russian delegation included about 130 people, including government officials, investors, traders and industrialists. The visit comes as Afghanistan faces continuing economic difficulties and reduced international assistance.
Russia formally recognised the Taliban government in 2025 and has since increased its political and economic engagement with Kabul.
