Tehran-IRAF- Gul Hassan Hassan, the Taliban’s ambassador in Moscow, announced Kabul’s interest in importing oil, gas, and essential goods from Russia. He stated that with the removal of banking restrictions, trade relations between the two countries would further expand. He also announced that an exhibition of Afghan products will be held in Moscow to showcase domestic production.
In an interview with Russia’s TASS news agency, Gul Hassan Hassan emphasized that developing bilateral trade relations is a priority and noted that trade ties between Afghanistan and Russia are growing. He added that if challenges such as banking limitations are resolved, Afghanistan could import oil, gas, medicines, industrial goods, grain, and vegetable oil from Russia.
According to him, Afghanistan is ready to export products such as fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, carpets, and mineral resources to Russia. These exchanges could significantly increase the volume of trade between the two countries.
Afghan Products Exhibition in Moscow
Gul Hassan Hassan also announced plans to soon open an exhibition of Afghan products in Moscow, aimed at introducing Afghanistan’s domestic goods and strengthening economic relations with Russia.
Russia, the First Diplomatic Supporter of the Taliban
It is worth noting that Russia was the first country to officially recognize the Taliban, and the expansion of economic and trade relations is now considered one of the key shared priorities of both sides.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with TASS yesterday, Gul Hassan Hassan referred to Afghanistan’s return to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, stating that with the efforts of Moscow and Beijing, Afghanistan is moving toward regaining its status as an observer member of the organization.
Commenting on Afghanistan’s energy crisis, he said that 80% of the country’s electricity is imported and only 30–35% of the population has access to power. The Taliban government plans to develop renewable energy sources and advance the CASA-1000 project.
He also noted that Russian companies have expressed readiness to build small hydroelectric power plants in Afghanistan, and plans are underway to increase direct flights between Kabul and Moscow.
Additionally, bilateral trade volume during the first eight months of 2025 reached 366 million-double the total figure of 2025-and is expected to rise to nearly 3 billion.
