Afghanistan has invited Russian companies to invest in its mining, industrial and infrastructure sectors, as the two countries seek to expand economic cooperation and boost bilateral trade.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, made the remarks during a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, highlighting Afghanistan’s investment opportunities and strategic economic potential.

Baradar said Afghanistan is ready to welcome Russian companies to invest in partnership with local businesses in mineral extraction, establishing and expanding industrial factories, developing infrastructure and creating special economic zones.

He also identified several potential areas for joint investment, including the establishment of industrial parks built to international standards, joint special economic zones, dry ports and trade infrastructure.

“We are seeking to increase bilateral trade to the maximum possible level, in line with the economic capacities of both countries,” Baradar said, emphasizing the importance of facilitating trade and expanding investment cooperation.

He described Afghanistan as a country with significant economic potential, citing its strategic geographical location, abundant natural resources and a workforce of approximately 24 million people of working age.

The Afghan official said these advantages could provide significant opportunities for foreign investors, particularly in sectors that could contribute to industrial development, job creation and economic growth.

The meeting comes as Afghanistan seeks to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic ties with regional and international partners, with Russia emerging as a potential partner in mining, industry, trade and infrastructure development.

Iraq’s Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi has ordered an investigation into intelligence reports alleging that petroleum from Kirkuk and the Kurdistan Region is being smuggled through Iran to Afghanistan.

During a parliamentary meeting on Wednesday, al-Halbousi questioned the performance of security agencies and the Oil Ministry, demanding explanations over the alleged illegal transportation of Iraqi petroleum resources across the country’s borders.

“This is a serious matter,” he said, describing the reported activities as a failure by security authorities to protect national resources.

According to an official parliamentary statement, a temporary investigative committee has been established to examine the alleged smuggling route, which reportedly begins in oil-producing areas of Kirkuk and the Kurdistan Region, passes through Iran and extends toward Afghanistan.

The committee will be led by the head of Parliament’s Security and Defense Committee and include representatives from several parliamentary committees, including those responsible for oil and gas, finance, integrity and border crossings. It has been tasked with investigating the allegations and submitting its findings to parliamentary leadership.

Separate investigation into suspected oil theft

The parliamentary inquiry will also examine separate intelligence allegations concerning the suspected theft of petroleum products from government pipelines in Jurf al-Nasr, formerly known as Jurf al-Sakhar, in Babil Province.

The intelligence report reportedly includes satellite imagery and information about suspected fuel storage and transportation facilities.

However, Babil Governor Ali Turki al-Jamali has disputed aspects of the findings, saying that at least one identified location was an established fuel facility serving security forces.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has ordered a separate investigation into the suspected petroleum theft in Jurf al-Nasr, involving senior security officials and representatives of relevant government institutions.

The parliamentary committee has also been assigned to examine the recent attack on the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region, which disrupted gas production and electricity generation.

Allegations yet to be verified

The alleged smuggling route through the Kurdistan Region and the suspected petroleum theft in Jurf al-Nasr are being investigated as separate cases. Authorities have not established that the incidents are connected.

Investigators have also yet to publicly identify those allegedly responsible for the suspected route to Afghanistan, determine the quantities involved or confirm whether the petroleum reached its reported destination.

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in livestock farming, animal breeding and agricultural development, including plans to provide specialized training for Afghan experts.

According to Uzbekistan’s state news agency, UzA, an Afghan delegation led by Sadr Azam Usmani, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, visited Uzbekistan’s Livestock and Pasture Development Agency to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in the sector.

During the meeting, officials from both sides discussed Uzbekistan’s experience in livestock farming, modern breeding technologies, cattle trade and professional training for agricultural specialists.

The Uzbek side also proposed issuing transit permits for breeding cattle imported from Iran through Afghanistan, creating a potential new opportunity for regional livestock trade.

The two sides agreed to organize advanced training courses and practical workshops, allowing Afghan specialists to receive free training in cattle breeding and artificial insemination.

Other issues discussed included supplying Afghanistan with improved breeding cattle and high-genetic-potential seeds, expanding livestock-related import and export activities, and exchanging technical expertise.

The discussions aim to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two neighbouring countries and support the development of Afghanistan’s livestock sector through technology transfer, professional training and joint initiatives.