Agreement on Russian Gas Transit Nears Finalization
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that the groundwork for finalizing a transit agreement for Russian gas to South Asia has been laid.
Ministry spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad noted that the acting minister had discussed the matter during a recent trip to Russia.
He said: “In 2022, the ministry leadership proposed the transit of Russian gas to South Asia and regional markets during a visit to Russia, which was positively received. This topic was revisited in early 2024 at the Kazan Summit and during subsequent visits by Russian officials to Afghanistan.”
Earlier, Russian media reported that Afghanistan and Russia had agreed on gas transit, with the agreement expected to be finalized at the 2025 Kazan Summit.
Economic analyst Mir Shakir Yaqubi said: “If this project becomes operational, Afghanistan could gain significant revenue through transit fees. Additionally, such projects will create job opportunities, develop infrastructure, attract domestic investment, and enhance global trade confidence in Afghanistan.”
Another analyst, Abdul Ghaffar Nazimi, said: “This project could provide hope to countries under economic sanctions. Its passage through Afghanistan creates significant economic opportunities and strengthens the country’s economic potential.”
The ministry also announced agreements with Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, on the transit of goods, with these countries expressing their readiness for cooperation.
