Russia and Afghanistan signed an agreement on military-technical cooperation during the International Security Forum in the Moscow region as Moscow continues to expand ties with the Taliban-led authorities in Kabul, reports Anadolu.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday evening by the secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, and Afghan Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob.

“Interaction with Russia is important for us. Afghanistan and Russia have long historical relations and we want to continue to move in this direction,” said Yaqoob.

Western countries should unlock Afghan assets and take responsibility for the reconstruction of the country after two decades of military presence.

“We are convinced that Western countries should unlock Afghan assets, fully recognize their responsibility for their 20-year presence in Afghanistan and bear the burden of rebuilding the country after the conflict,” he said.

The agreement comes amid growing contacts between Moscow and Taliban authorities.

Earlier this month, speaking at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Security Council secretaries in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Shoigu said Russia had established dialogue with the Taliban and was developing a “partnership of complete” with the group.

Source: prizrenpost