Lavrov: the current government in Afghanistan is successfully governing the country

On October 5, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the government that came to power in Afghanistan, led by the Taliban movement, had established control over the country's territory and was managing it quite successfully. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

Fight against terrorism and drugs

Lavrov noted that the Afghan security forces are conducting an uncompromising fight against the Islamic State (IS or ISIS, recognized as a terrorist and banned in Russia) and other terrorist groups. According to him, hundreds of militants were eliminated and a number of high-profile terrorist attacks were prevented, including those directed against foreign citizens and diplomatic missions.

The Russian Foreign Minister stressed Russia's interest in strengthening Kabul's counterterrorism potential. According to him, Moscow is ready to provide logistical and expert support, as well as maintain contacts between special services and law enforcement agencies.

Separately, Lavrov noted the measures taken by the Afghan authorities to combat drug trafficking. According to him, according to estimates by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, opiate production in the country has decreased by 90% since 2022.

Economic development

According to the minister, despite the sanctions pressure from Western countries, the Afghan economy continues to develop. The country's authorities have confirmed their commitment to regional energy projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan – Pakistan –India), implemented tax reform and strengthened anti-corruption legislation.

Lavrov also reported on the revival of industry: according to official data, about 170 new production facilities have been opened in Afghanistan. In addition, a five-year plan for the development of the electric power industry has been developed. The volume of Afghanistan's foreign trade, which the country conducts with more than 100 countries, increased to $14 billion last year.

Humanitarian situation

At the same time, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains difficult. According to the UN, more than 17 million people in the country may face food shortages this winter, and the total number of people in need of humanitarian assistance will reach 22 million.

Lavrov said that efforts by international organizations and individual states are needed to improve the situation. According to him, Russia will continue regular humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan. The next batch of aid is expected to arrive in the country in the next one to two months.