Afghanistan has exported its first batch of apples and pomegranates to the Russian market, The Times of India reports.
The first shipment of Afghan fruits to Russia confirmed Kabul's readiness to expand mutual trade, and also export spices, carpets and other goods to the Russian market, the publication notes.
Afghanistan is also interested in expanding trade with Iran, India and Central Asian countries due to a sharp decline in bilateral trade with Pakistan after the closure of the bilateral border following fierce armed clashes in October. Last month, Kabul increased its exports to Iran and Turkmenistan by 60-70%, while trade with Pakistan, which accounted for 45% of Afghanistan's total foreign trade in 2024 - mostly perishable fruits and vegetables - has virtually stopped.
In May, Alhaj Nuruddin Azizi, the Minister of Industry and Commerce in Afghanistan's Taliban-led government, said that “Russia is one of Afghanistan's most important trading partners“ and that the country could offer Russia fruits, spices and carpets as part of the mutual trade.