Latest News
U.S. to Provide $29m for Afghan Presidential Elections
The United States Embassy in Kabul has welcomed the finalization of a budget for the presidential election on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the U.S. Ambassador to Kabul, John R. Bass said, “We are pleased the election budget has finally been finalized. That enables the United States to provide up to $29 million to support operations.
Bass said that Conduct of the elections will also be funding independently Afghan domestic observers’ efforts so people have confidence in the way the election is conducted and in the results.
At the same time, although the budget is an important step, there are many more steps the commission and the relevant ministries need to take to ensure elections occur when scheduled, the statement said.
“We need to see the additional staff hired and trained by the commission. We need to see the voters lists published,” said Bass adding, “We all need to see finalization of procurement and training on the biometric verification devices. All of that will be essential to conduct the election.”
At the same time, we have strong expectations as do all Afghans, I think, to see all of the candidates respecting Afghan law that prohibits government officials or people with access to government officials from using government resources to benefit their campaign, the U.S. Ambassador added.
“We expect all the candidates, whether they are currently in government positions or not, to refrain from trying to use government resources, whether that’s money, whether that’s the power to appoint people, whether that’s simply going about their business in ways that is intended to benefit their campaign,” Bass noted.
“We expect to see everyone respect Afghan law, and we expect that because the Afghan people expect that. And as a last point, I’d note that it’s quite important that the electoral commission be communicating with the public about its activities,” He added.
The Afghan public understand the preparations that are underway and that progress is being made to prepare for these important elections, the statement concluded.
It comes as, on Monday, the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) confirmed that a budget of $149 million has been approved for the upcoming presidential elections.
The presidential election is expected to be held on September 28, 2019.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s Minister of Interior Affairs, met on Tuesday with Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special representative to Kabul.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation between Afghanistan and Russia, along with security, economic, and political issues.
They also exchanged views on positive engagement and regional stability.
The Pakistani military regime has carried out rocket attacks in Khas Kunar district of Kunar province, with rockets hitting civilian homes.
Security officials in Kunar said on Tuesday evening the attacks have continued intermittently since early morning, but so far no information has been provided by authorities regarding casualties.
The Pakistani military regime has also carried out rocket attacks on some areas of Sarkano district in Kunar. Early reports indicate there have been no casualties in these strikes.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met on Tuesday with Russia’s special envoy to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov in Kabul, where the two sides discussed expanding political ties and deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both officials emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral engagement and broadening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Muttaqi welcomed what he described as the positive development of relations between Afghanistan and Russia, and called for increased economic collaboration, the reactivation of the Joint Economic Commission, and the creation of a regular mechanism for political consultations.
The discussions also covered regional developments, with both sides stressing the importance of peace, stability and security. They exchanged views on enhancing relations with neighboring countries and highlighted the need for joint efforts to support constructive regional engagement.
Kabulov praised the current trajectory of ties between Kabul and Moscow and said Russia is prepared to expand practical cooperation with Afghanistan, particularly in the fields of trade, energy and transit.
He added that Moscow is interested in strengthening bilateral relations through joint economic projects, investment initiatives and infrastructure cooperation, while also promoting regional connectivity and long-term stability.
The meeting comes amid growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries as both sides seek to expand economic opportunities and strengthen regional partnerships.
Tahawol: Russian special representative trip to Kabul discussed
Haqqani, Russian special envoy discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation
Pakistan targets civilian homes in Kunar rocket attack
Saar: World’s reactions to Pakistani attacks in Kunar discussed
Muttaqi and Kabulov stress need for stronger Kabul–Moscow relations
IEA supreme leader orders replacement of foreign terminology in official documents
Afghanistan hosts inaugural Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation
TAPI gas pipeline advances 25 km in Afghanistan
Russia backs Uzbekistan–Afghanistan trade hub, praises regional economic cooperation
Tripartite agreement to launch new Russia–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan transit corridor
Tahawol: Russian special representative trip to Kabul discussed
Saar: World’s reactions to Pakistani attacks in Kunar discussed
Tahawol: Kabul and Riyadh Push to Expand Ties
Saar: Kunar Under Attack by Pakistani Military Forces
Saar: Anti-immigration wave gains ground worldwide
-
Latest News3 days agoBayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
-
Latest News5 days agoAlbanian PM criticizes NATO’s Afghanistan withdrawal
-
Sport3 days agoAfghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan secure top spots at Kabul wrestling festival
-
Latest News4 days agoUK considers talks with IEA over deporting Afghan asylum seekers
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan-Pakistan talks in Urumqi were positive: Muttaqi
-
Latest News3 days agoIEA responds to Global Terrorism Index 2026, highlights security gains
-
Regional4 days agoIran’s foreign minister arrives in Pakistan, Trump expects offer satisfying US demands
-
Regional5 days agoPakistan repays $3.45 billion loan to UAE