Russian business delegation visits Kabul for economic talks with the Taliban

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk arrived in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday with a delegation of 70 Russian business people for trade and investment talks with the Taliban government. Afghan officials said the visitors were welcomed with a guard of honour. Russia is the only state that has formally recognised the Taliban regime, which makes such visits significant for Afghanistan's economic ties abroad.

Meetings with Taliban leaders

Overchuk met Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

According to an Afghan government statement on X, Baradar presented Afghanistan's potential for economic development and investment, citing its "strategic location, abundant resources and a workforce of 24 million people". He invited Russian firms to invest in agriculture, mining, and the construction of roads, railways and factories, and to set up a special economic zone. Baradar also wants to expand Afghan agricultural exports to Russia and asked for the necessary facilities to supply Afghan products to Russian markets, as well as cooperation on lowering transport and transit costs.

The Russian side

Quoted by a Russian news agency, Overchuk said the companies in the delegation already operate in Afghanistan and that "many others want to start operating in this country". The firms work in transport, logistics, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. He said the Afghan government is interested in Russian chemical fertilisers and in building fertiliser plants on Afghan soil.

Overchuk estimated that trade between Russia and Afghanistan more than doubled in the first eight months of 2026, exceeding 349 million dollars.

Background on recognition

Russia officially recognised the Taliban government in July 2025. The Taliban took power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of the United States. Although no country other than Russia has formally recognised the new Afghan regime, Taliban authorities have held high-level talks with many states and established specific diplomatic and economic relations with some governments.