Afghanistan is in conversations with Russia to import certain foods such as the conflict between Israel and Iran, one of its largest commercial partners, risked to cut supplies, said its Minister of Agriculture. Reuters.
As relations between Russia and the Taliban government have been improving, an Afghan delegation is visiting Russia’s main economic conference in St. Petersburg this week, meeting with Russian agriculture officials.
“Afghanistan definitely points to self -sufficiency in its agricultural products. However, we still trust some foods that come from Iran, and if problems arise there, it will undoubtedly have its effects,” said Ataullah Omari on the sidelines of the conference.
Some dairy products will supply to Afghanistan, among other basic products, and there is a general concern that the war of the week between Israel and Iran can interrupt commercial flows.
Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, and Kazakhstan are the main suppliers of wheat and flour to Afghanistan. Russia also supplies sugar and vegetable oil.
Omari said the country is now looking for wheat instead of Russia flour.
Afghanistan, the main Russian flour buyer in 2024, increased its own wheat production by 10 percent last year to 4.83 million metric tons. The total consumption of wheat of the country is estimated at 6.8 million metric tons per year.
“During the last four years, since the withdrawal of Americans, we have been making efforts to provide our essential foods.
“We have requested that Russia send us wheat instead of flour. In addition, the importation of other products that come from Russia to our country advance annually,” he added.
In April, Russia lifted its prohibition of the Taliban, which he had designated as a terrorist organization for more than two decades, racing the way for Moscow to normalize the ties with the leadership of Afghanistan.
Since 2022, Afghanistan has imported gas, oil and wheat of Russia, marking the first important economic agreement after the Taliban returned to power, facing international isolation after 20 years of war against forces led by the United States.
Omari expressed concern for Afghan refugees living in Iran who could become victims of Israel’s attacks. The UN Agency for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that almost 4.5 million Afghan citizens reside in Iran.
“Any type of damage that happens there is absolutely unsatisfactory for our nation and our people, especially for many of our refugees who live there and are our brothers,” he said.
