Afghanistan has plans to buy a million barrels of oil from Russia
The Afghan Industry and Trade Minister Nuriddin Azizi reveal that Kabul aims to purchase one million barrels of oil from Moscow.
Afghanistan intends to purchase a million barrels of Russian oil. Nuriddin Azizi, the country's Minister of Industry and Trade, declared this on August 15.
“We offered Russia about one million barrels, if it can send more, then this is not a problem,” Azizi was quoted by RIA NEWS.
“The most important thing for us would be the oil and gas project. We would also like to consider the option of barter trade, provided that the Russian Federation needs some kind of Afghan products,” the minister added.
On the eve, it was rumored that a Taliban delegation is heading to Moscow and Kazan. Dmitry Zhirnov, Russia's Ambassador to Kabul, stated that the Afghan group comprises economists and financiers, and the visitors intend to acquire oil, other fuels, wheat, bread, and sunflower oil.
Earlier on June 27, during a meeting with Tajik leader Emomali Rahmon, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is doing all possible to normalize the situation in Afghanistan. He stated that Moscow is attempting to establish relations with the political forces in charge of the issue.
Read next: Putin: Situation on border with Afghanistan causes concern
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated at the end of March that the Russian Federation has accredited the first Afghan diplomat from the Taliban-led administration.
At the same time, the FM stated that the present Afghan administration is managing to keep the nation peaceful despite the intervention of the US and its partners.
Read next: Lavrov: Collapse of Afghanistan must not be allowed to happen
The situation in Afghanistan deteriorated in May 2021, with the start of the evacuation of US forces who had been stationed there since 2001. On August 15, the Taliban began an onslaught against the country's major cities and announced the end of the conflict.
The new leaders assured the country and the world that they would form an inclusive government, battle terrorists, and uphold human rights, including those of women.
Read next: Kabul & Saigon: A Tale of Two US Failures