Russia’s special envoy arrives in Kabul for talks with IEA

Russian presidential envoy to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov arrived in Kabul on Thursday and met with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Russia’s Kabulov is leading a delegation that includes representatives from the ministries of defense, interior, economy, industry, agriculture and energy.

During the meeting, the sides discussed boosting political, economic, transit and regional ties, said Hafiz Zia Ahmad, deputy spokesman for Afghan foreign ministry.

Kabulov said that the “balanced policy” of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) is in the interest of regional countries and beyond and expressed satisfaction over the “achievements” of the new government.

For his part, Muttaqi praised the Russian delegation’s visit to Kabul and said that Russia with its “good resources” can assist Afghanistan in the implementation of a number of development projects.

He said that the new government gives serious attention to the issue of regional security and connectivity and it hopes that Afghanistan as the heart of Asia would play its role in strengthening transit, trade and economic relations between the regional countries.

Muttaqi also called for international cooperation in the fight against drugs.

Kabulov arrived in Kabul the same day that China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi landed in the Afghan capital.