Afghan authorities have approached Russian companies with a proposal to invest in the construction of oil refineries (ORFs) and the development of raw material deposits. Kabul also expects an increase in the purchase of Russian petroleum products, Afghanistan International reported, citing Dmitry Antonov, head of the Business Cooperation Council with Afghanistan.
Energy Investments and Trade Agreements
According to Dmitry Antonov, Russian participation in resource development is necessary to balance trade exchange between the countries. Previously, Afghanistan's Minister of Mining Industry and Petroleum, Hedayatuallah Badri, stated at a forum in Tatarstan that significant hydrocarbon reserves are located in the Amu Darya, Katawaza, and Helmand basins. Afghanistan plans to use these resources for both domestic needs and export to neighboring states.
During the visit of an Afghan delegation consisting of more than 70 business representatives to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, the parties signed several documents. As Taliban representative Hamdullah Fitrat reported, 15 memorandums of cooperation were concluded.
The agreements cover supplies of medicines, flour, wheat, and vegetable oil to Afghanistan, while pomegranates will be exported from Afghanistan to Russia. Meanwhile, trade turnover between the countries more than doubled during the first eight months of 2026.
Context
Afghanistan seeks to utilize its natural resources to ensure energy security and economic development through international partnerships.
