In order to diversify their trading partners and benefit from a discount on average global commodity prices, the Taliban signed a tentative agreement with Russia for the supply of gasoline, diesel, gas and wheat. Reuters reported.
This is the first known major international economic deal struck by the Taliban since they returned to power more than a year ago, the report said, citing Afghanistan’s acting trade and industry minister. Haji Nooruddin Azizi.
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deal outlines: The deal would entail Russia supplying nearly a million tons of gasoline, a million tons of diesel, 500,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and two million tons of wheat annually, it said.
Azizi said the agreement will continue for an indefinite trial period, after which both sides are expected to sign a longer-term deal if satisfied. The deal was finalized after several weeks of talks by an Afghan technical team in Moscow.
Azizi cited international data that said most Afghans live below the poverty line and his office is working to support trade and business through international contacts.
“Afghan people are in dire need. Whatever we do, we do it in the national interest and for the benefit of the people,” he was quoted as saying.
Even though Wladimir PutinRussian-led Russia does not officially recognize the Taliban government, Moscow has received its leaders ahead of the fall of Kabul, and its embassy is one of the few open in the Afghan capital, according to Reuters.
