Sunday July 12, 2015
Kabul (BNA) President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani met with President Vladimir Putin of Russian Federation last night in Ufa, Russia.
The meeting began with President Putin highlighting friendly relations and common understanding between the two nations, especially concerning the threat of terrorism and narcotics. President Putin said that bilateral relations have improved and trade has increased between Afghanistan and Russia.
Speaking about trade relations between Afghanistan, Russia, and Central Asian States, President Ghani said that ten percent of Afghanistan’s trade takes place through this route. The President noted that the conditions for further expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries are right. He added that we want to sign medium-term and long-term contracts with Russia to further improve trade relations. President Ghani also said that we want to ensure that Russian investors feel safe in Afghanistan and we are ready to take the necessary actions in this regard. The Presidents of the two countries also spoke about bilateral security cooperation and strengthening of Afghanistan’s Air Force. President Ghani reiterated the need for regional consensus in fighting terrorism and narcotics. He urged that Afghanistan, Russia, India, and China increase cooperation in this regard.
Other discussions centered on development of Sarobi hydroelectric dam and Russia’s assistance in providing education for Afghan youth in civilian and military areas. It was said that currently there are six hundred Afghan youths studying in Russia, 200 military and 400 civilian students. President Ghani said that providing high education for Afghan youth strengthens people-to-people relations. The President asked Russia to support Afghanistan to gain full membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization. President Putin said that his country is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan in the areas of Sarobi dam, construction projects in Badakshan Province, building of roads and railway. He called for formation of an inter-governmental committee to work on promoting investment between the two countries. President Putin said that Russia will increase the number of scholarships for Afghan youth and help in the areas of transports and shipments. President Putin said that the related authorities of the two countries hold further discussions concerning military assistance. In the meeting, President Ghani also asked Russia to assist the National Defense and Security Forces of Afghanistan, particularly the Air Forces, in fighting terrorism and narcotics. The President also elucidated the reasons for insecurity in north of the country and said that different terrorist groups want to infiltrate Afghanistan to disrupt security of regional countries. He said that there is need for fundamental change in security and economic areas to improve the situation.
