Kabul (EFE).- The Taliban government on Thursday expressed support for Russia’s interest in building a railway line through Afghanistan, saying improved security conditions make the country suitable for major regional connectivity projects.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban-run Islamic Emirate, said Kabul welcomes recent remarks by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk that Moscow is ready to establish a rail connection with Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan supports and is committed to all projects that benefit the region, strengthen regional connectivity, and contribute to the economic well-being and development of regional countries,” Fitrat told local media.
Overchuk reportedly reiterated Russia’s interest Wednesday in comments to state television channel Russia 24, saying a trans-Afghan railway is part of Moscow’s broader effort to diversify transport and trade routes toward markets in the Global South.
He said several routes are under consideration, including western and eastern corridors, and that Russian experts are taking part in technical assessments and feasibility studies.
During a visit to Kabul in Nov. 2024, Overchuk had already conveyed Moscow’s interest in the trans-Afghan railway project to Taliban officials. Russia and Uzbekistan have been studying the plan since last year, with the proposed route expected to extend to Pakistan.
The railway initiative comes as relations between Moscow and Kabul continue to deepen. In July, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, breaking with the international consensus in place since the group returned to power in 2021.
The recognition, approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the recommendation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, has been followed by increased political and diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
Taliban authorities say expanded cooperation in trade, infrastructure and transport corridors is critical to easing Afghanistan’s international isolation. EFE
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