Kabul talks: Russia sends 70 businessmen to negotiate trade
Deputy PM Overchuk leads delegation to discuss minerals and logistics with Taliban officials after trade volume doubled.
By Alyssa Parker ·
Russian officials arrived in Kabul on Thursday to open negotiations on trade and investment with the Taliban government.
The delegation is led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. Moscow formally recognized the Taliban regime in July 2025. It remains the only nation to grant that status since the group took power in August 2021. Afghanistan has relied on this diplomatic link to seek foreign capital while remaining isolated from much of the international community.
Overchuk met with Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund and Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar. Interfax news agency reported that Baradar emphasized the country's strategic position and its workforce of 24 million people of working age. He urged Russian firms to invest in mineral extraction, factory development, and infrastructure projects. Baradar also requested that Russian authorities lower transportation and transit costs for Afghan goods entering the Russian market.
The Russian side brought a group of more than 70 businessmen representing dozens of companies. Overchuk stated that many of these firms already operate in Afghanistan, while others are seeking to begin operations. He said the delegation covers transportation, logistics, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
Overchuk noted that the Afghan government showed interest in Russian fertilizers. He mentioned potential plans to build fertilizer production plants inside Afghanistan. He said Russia aims to create conditions for normal business contacts between the two countries. Overchuk added that Russia is ready to support Afghanistan so that its economy grows and people secure normal incomes.
The Afghan government statement cited Overchuk as saying that bilateral trade more than doubled in the first eight months of 2026. The value reached more than $349 million. The Taliban have also engaged in high-level talks with China and the United Arab Emirates, though Russia holds the unique distinction of formal recognition.
The meeting concluded with discussions on railway and road construction. Overchuk and Baradar agreed to continue exploring these economic avenues. No immediate agreement on specific projects was announced on Thursday.
