Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi to Visit Russia for Kazan Forum
Sources told that Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is expected to travel to Russia on Tuesday.
According to the sources, the purpose of the visit is to participate in the Kazan Forum, a gathering attended by officials and representatives from several countries.
Discussions at the forum are expected to focus on economic and trade cooperation, as well as the expansion of regional ties.
Economic analyst Abdul Nasir Rashtia said: “If the Afghan delegation can make progress in attracting investment and expanding political engagement with these countries during such meetings, the ground for broader economic interaction will also be created. Likewise, if agreements are reached in the area of foreign trade, it could help Afghanistan partially emerge from economic isolation.”
The Russian House of Culture has announced that nearly 100 companies from various countries will participate in the international “Kazan Halal Market” exhibition, which will be held on the sidelines of the Kazan Forum 2026.
According to the organization, the largest participating delegation will be from Afghanistan, with Afghan producers showcasing textiles, food products, utensils, and jewelry.
Economic analyst, Abdul Zohour Modaber, said: “The Kazan meeting could be important for Afghanistan in several ways. In terms of strengthening the country’s geopolitical and geostrategic position, the forum could carry significant value. Afghanistan could also attract investment in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and transit.”
Earlier, Russian media reported that a joint economic commission between Kabul and Moscow would be held on the sidelines of the forum, during which three oil purchase agreements between the two countries are expected to be signed.
Although the Ministry of Commerce has not yet officially commented on the matter, political, economic, and trade cooperation between Kabul and Moscow has increased in recent months.
