INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russia&s Security Council, said on Monday that Moscow hopes to see Afghanistan regain its status as an observer
member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations (SCO).According to a statement issued by ARG, Shoigu met on Monday in Kabul with
Afghanistan&s Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, where he spoke about the issue.Shoigu also highlighted
Russia&s desire to expand trade and economic ties with Afghanistan.He emphasized Russia&s willingness to invest in vital sectors such as
railways, transportation, industry, agriculture, energy, and mining.Shoigu also commented on Afghanistan&s political stability and security
improvements and said these have been crucial in attracting Russian investment.Shoigu also met with Acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob
Mujahid.These meetings come just a day after Russia&s Special Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov announced that a high-level
Russian delegation would visit Kabul
He did not however provide details on who this would involve.Shoigu served as Minister of Defence of Russia from 2012 to 2024 before taking
over as Secretary of Russia&s Security Council.Russia has been slowly building ties with the Islamic Emirate since it regained power in
Afghanistan in August 2021.
