Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — Russia is hosting high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kazan this month, aiming to finalize comprehensive agreements on mineral extraction, energy transit, and infrastructure development. This move underscores Moscow’s intent to strengthen its engagement with the Taliban regime, despite international concerns over human rights violations.
Afghanistan’s Acting Industry and Trade Minister, Nooruddin Azizi, highlighted the country’s vast reserves of lithium, copper, and rare earth elements. He expressed optimism about Russian investments in mining these resources, stating, “There is good potential for the extraction of these metals and minerals, and I hope that Russian companies will invest in Afghanistan in this area.”
Discussions are also underway for a potential agreement allowing the transit of 50 million cubic meters of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) through Afghanistan to Southeast Asia. Trial shipments have already occurred, indicating progress towards this deal.
Additionally, plans are being considered for a logistics hub in Herat province, designed to facilitate the movement of Russian oil to South Asian markets. This initiative is part of broader efforts to position Afghanistan as a central player in regional energy trade.
These developments signify a deepening alliance between Russia and the Taliban, with potential implications for regional trade dynamics and geopolitical alignments.
