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Russia, Afghanistan to expand cooperation in several spheres — Foreign Ministry

The Russian foreign policy agency stressed that the sides discussed in detail the pertinent agenda of the entire set of issues of Russian-Afghan relations with an emphasis on the development of trade and economic ties and interaction in the security sphere

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Moscow and Kabul intend to expand cooperation in energy, agriculture and transport, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following a visit to Afghanistan by Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov.

"There was confirmed interest in expanding cooperation in such fields as energy, agriculture, transport and infrastructure. The Afghan side expressed gratitude to the Russian leadership for humanitarian aid provided to the friendly Afghan people and the intention to continue it," the ministry noted.

The Russian foreign policy agency stressed that the sides discussed in detail the pertinent agenda of the entire set of issues of Russian-Afghan relations with an emphasis on the development of trade and economic ties and interaction in the security sphere.

"Moscow’s invariable intent to strengthen trust-based dialogue with Kabul was confirmed. The partners expressed support for Russian efforts on facilitating a peaceful settlement, above all, within the framework of the Moscow Format of Consultations, which has gained a reputation as the most universal and widely representative venue on Afghan issues," the diplomatic agency noted. "The necessity was emphasized of the swiftest 'unfreezing' of Afghan assets illegitimately detained by Washington hindering the post-conflict recovery process of Afghanistan which has already greatly suffered from the US-NATO occupation," it added.

The sides also stated mutual intent to bolster regional stability. "Counterterrorist and anti-drug measures taken by the Taliban (outlawed in Russia - TASS) leadership were noted," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

In Afghanistan, Kabulov held meetings with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani from the Afghan government formed by the Taliban radical movement.

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