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Russia Writes Off Afghanistan’s Old Debt
Russian business will come to Afghanistan to help the country’s reconstruction. It will enter various spheres – from mineral resource development to energy production. This is just one of the agreements reached by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov. He made a short visit to Kabul on Friday.
Sergei Lavrov’s visit to Afghanistan began with the opening ceremony in the reconstructed Russian embassy in Kabul. The employees of the embassy were evacuated from there 3 years after the Soviet troops withdrew in 1992. The building, left without guards, became the shelter for militant commanders of the civil war, and then to refugees.
Lavrov met with Afghan officials in the presidential palace behind closed doors. Russian minister said that the cooperation between Moscow and Kabul will be facilitated by Russia’s writing off Afghanistan’s debt. The debt is equal to $10 billion.
Lavrov urged to combat drug trafficking. According to some estimations, export of drugs makes up between one and two thirds of Afghanistan’s GDP. Large part of heroin is supplied to Russia via Central Asian countries.
The Minister also spoke about anti-terrorism struggle. He promised Russia’s aid to Afghan army, and it is quite likely that the latter will need it soon. In spring, international forces together with Afghan draftees plan a large-scale offensive on the Taliban movement.
www.kommersant.com
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