Alexei Overchuk meets with Minister of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan Haji Nooruddin Azizi
Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk met with the Minister of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, on the sidelines of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” in Kazan.
The two ministers discussed in detail the prospects for strengthening diverse and mutually beneficial practical cooperation, with a focus on increasing bilateral trade. Particular attention was paid to promising projects and initiatives in key areas of cooperation, including energy, transport, agriculture, healthcare, and geological exploration.
Mr Overchuk and Mr Azizi noted a significant increase in Russia-Afghanistan trade in the first two months of 2026: trade turnover rose by 162.9 percent, exports grew by 167.2 percent, and imports increased by 90 percent. They also noted the potential for further growth in trade, primarily through expanded mutual agricultural supplies.
During the meeting, the parties reviewed the outcomes of the inaugural meeting of the Russian-Afghan Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which had been held the day before.
Summing up the meeting, they outlined further steps to advance Russian-Afghan trade and economic cooperation.
