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Russian business official proposes visa-free travel between Russia and Afghanistan
A senior Russian business representative has proposed the introduction of a visa-free regime between Russia and Afghanistan, arguing that the move would boost trade, investment and tourism between the two countries.
Rustam Khabibullin, head of the Russian Business Center in Afghanistan, announced the proposal ahead of the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026.
According to Khabibullin, relations between Moscow and Kabul have been expanding rapidly, making the simplification of travel procedures a logical next step for strengthening bilateral ties.
He pointed to several recent developments in Russia-Afghanistan relations, including the presentation of credentials by Afghanistan’s ambassador to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first meeting of a bilateral intergovernmental commission at the Russia-Islamic World Forum, and the signing of a military-technical cooperation agreement during an international security forum held under the auspices of Russia’s Security Council.
Khabibullin said the military-technical agreement includes plans to service and restore Russian-made equipment in Afghanistan. He noted that Afghanistan continues to operate a large number of Russian vehicles and aircraft, including Mi-17 helicopters and KamAZ trucks.
Under the agreement, service centers and spare-parts warehouses are expected to be restored in Afghanistan, while local specialists will receive technical training to support maintenance and repair work.
The Russian business official also highlighted the growing presence of Russian companies in Afghanistan’s energy and mining sectors, saying firms are already involved in oil production, refining and mineral extraction projects.
Khabibullin argued that a visa-free regime would significantly strengthen economic cooperation by making it easier for businesspeople, investors and tourists to travel between the two countries. He said such a move could help open new markets and create additional opportunities for trade and investment.
He further claimed that Russia maintains substantial influence in Afghanistan and said closer economic engagement would benefit both sides, particularly Russian regions such as Tatarstan, which hosts a number of major export-oriented companies.
The proposal comes as Russia and Afghanistan continue to deepen diplomatic and economic ties following Moscow’s formal recognition of the IEA-led government last year and the recent expansion of cooperation in trade, infrastructure and security sectors.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, met with Mohammad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sayer, CEO of Kuwait’s Al-Sayer Group.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, the meeting focused on Afghanistan’s current situation, security, stability, as well as opportunities in trade and investment.
Muttaqi described relations between Kuwait and Afghanistan as historical and positive, expressing hope for further expansion of comprehensive ties between the two countries.
Nasser Al-Sayer, expressing his satisfaction with his visit to Afghanistan, said he wanted to establish trade relations with Afghanistan in the future.
He added that his company plans to export fresh and dried fruits from Afghanistan to Kuwait and other markets.
The two sides also emphasized expanding economic and trade relations, strengthening joint cooperation, facilitating travel, and making effective use of investment opportunities available in Afghanistan.
The German government deported 30 Afghan nationals to Kabul on Tuesday on a charter flight from Leipzig Airport.
The German newspaper Bild reported that the migrants were transferred from Leipzig Airport to Kabul this morning.
This is the second group deportation of Afghan nationals since Berlin changed its policy regarding the return of Afghan asylum seekers.
Germany has expanded the deportation of Afghan nationals in recent months. In addition to people with criminal records, asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected are also now at risk of deportation.
Previously, 31 Afghan asylum seekers were transferred from Germany to Kabul on a charter flight.
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Indonesia reaffirms support for Afghanistan’s reintegration into global community
Qais Barakzai, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Jakarta, welcomed Indonesia’s approach, saying Afghanistan appreciates the country’s constructive engagement.
Indonesia says it will continue supporting Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community through constructive engagement.
Anis Matta, Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Gelora Party, said he received a visit from Shoaib Baryalai, First Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday, August 24.
In a post on X, Matta said he was briefed directly on progress in efforts by the authorities in Afghanistan to fulfill international commitments and advance the country’s reintegration into the international community.
He said Indonesia would continue its constructive engagement to support the process, with the aim of helping improve, stabilize and promote prosperity for the Afghan people.
Qais Barakzai, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Jakarta, welcomed Indonesia’s approach, saying Afghanistan appreciates the country’s constructive engagement.
Barakzai said Afghanistan reaffirms its commitment to meaningful engagement with the international community, as well as to peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
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