Alexey Overchuk, Russian Deputy Prime Minister for Eurasian Integration, presented November 26 further insight into Russia’s attempt to catalyze the development of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, including involving Afghanistan in the building of the Trans-Afghan Railway, and the eventual removal of the Taliban-led government from Russia’s terrorist blacklist. Overchuk visited Kabul as part of the Russian delegation led by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, during Nov. 25-26. Shoigu had meetings with Afghanistan’s top leadership (see “Russia Secures Southern Flank with New Approach to Afghanistan” in Nov. 27 briefing). Shoigu stated that the visit to Afghanistan was undertaken “on the instruction of [Russian] President Putin.”
Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk stated that Afghans are grateful to Russia for the zero customs tariff for Afghan goods within the Eurasian Economic Union, reports the November 26 Izvestia. Overchuk emphasized the Russian-Afghan collaboration for development: “There are many opportunities here, but it is very important that the Afghans themselves tell us what they need now. We will then be able to adapt our program for Afghanistan in accordance with the needs that exist here.”
