By action of the Russian Supreme Court April 17, Afghanistan has been lifted from the Russian terrorist list. The way is now open for rail, energy and other partnership projects to proceed. The Russian Foreign Ministry statement yesterday said, “Moscow intends to put special emphasis on building up trade, business and investment relations with Kabul. Afghanistan, with its unique geostrategic location, might become a link in implementing large-scale energy and infrastructure projects.” Details are expected to come out at the upcoming Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2025, May 13-18.
One key project is the Trans-Afghan Railway. Earlier this month, Russia and Uzbekistan signed an agreement to cooperate on the $4.8 billion project, beginning with joint work on the feasibility study. Two specific routes have been outlined, which will develop a Trans-Afghan corridor to link railway networks in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, connecting Russia and Central Asia to the Arabian Sea.
