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Russia signs memorandum on development of coal energy sector in Afghanistan — envoy

Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov noted that Russian pipe producers are ready to join the construction of the Afghan part of the gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India

Russia's Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov Sergei Bobylev/TASS

Russia's Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov

© Sergei Bobylev/TASS

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Entrepreneurs form Russia’s Tatarstan Region signed a memorandum on development of the coal thermal power sector in Afghanistan, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov said in an interview for Izvestia published Monday.

"One month ago, businessmen from the Republic of Tatarstan signed a memorandum on development of the coal thermal power sector in Afghanistan in Kabul. It is a trilateral project with Iran and Pakistan," he said.

The envoy noted that Russian pipe producers are ready to join the construction of the Afghan part of the gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India. Earlier, Russian companies ensured quality construction of the Turkmen part of this pipeline. In addition, Russian engineers inspected Kabul boiler houses, heating networks, water supply systems, power substations and prepared a plan for restoration of the utility system. Russian experts also participate in the technical group on construction of a railway from Uzbekistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan.

"A project on establishment of modern medical laboratories for the public in Afghan cities is being prepared. Our businessmen may also take part in the modernization of the Salang tunnel. The business council on cooperation with Afghanistan is also at work," Zhirnov told Izvestia.

All this affects the trade volume between Russia and Afghanistan. According to the envoy, the trade volume between the two countries has increased by 40% in one year.

"The cooperation in the economy goes on, it is market market-driven, based on commercial contracts. Our approach implies that this cooperation must be mutually beneficial, and interesting for the business circles from the return standpoint," Zhirnov noted, answering a question regarding a proposal put forth by an Afghan minister to exchange Russian oil for Afghan minerals.

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