Russian Envoy Sees Afghan Mineral Wealth As Path To Future Cooperation

Since the Taliban’s return to power, the rights of Hazaras have been increasingly curtailed, according to the Greens. In a statement released on Wednesday, 23 April, the party expressed pride in supporting the Hazara diaspora in Australia and urged the federal government to provide adequate protection for Hazara refugees. They emphasised that no Hazara refugee should face deportation back to Afghanistan under current conditions.

As Australia’s federal election approaches on 3 May, with early voting already underway, the Greens have called for the government to increase Australia’s annual humanitarian refugee intake to 50,000 people.

“The Greens are committed to ensuring that individuals seeking safety in Australia are treated with dignity and respect, underpinned by a fair immigration system,” the statement said.

Furthermore, the party demanded an end to Australia’s current ban on accepting refugees from Indonesia, highlighting the plight of thousands of Afghan asylum seekers who remain stranded there, awaiting resettlement to safe third countries.

The Greens expressed grave concern over the international community’s perceived inaction, cautioning that continued silence could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and potentially lead to further genocidal acts against the Hazara population.

Additionally, the party highlighted Australia’s responsibilities under the UN Genocide Convention, urging the government to actively prevent genocide, support thorough investigations into human rights abuses, and advocate for accountability regarding international crimes.

The Greens reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to engaging with the Hazara community throughout Australia’s 48th Parliament and pledged to amplify Hazara voices and concerns.

The statement came during a meeting with Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan. Zia Ahmad Takal, Deputy Spokesperson for the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Russia is expected to receive the Taliban’s diplomatic representative at the ambassadorial level.

On Wednesday, Takal announced that Muttaqi and Kabulov discussed enhancing bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and economic partnerships. Muttaqi expressed gratitude to Kabulov for Russia’s recent decision to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations.

Takal noted that Kabulov emphasised Russia's commitment to strengthening ties and outlined efforts to eliminate barriers to further engagement. Kabulov also confirmed that a permanent joint commission on bilateral relations will convene during a planned meeting between Russian and Taliban officials this May in Kazan, alongside the “Kazan Forum.”

Russia’s Supreme Court recently approved a request by the Attorney General to suspend the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organisation, clearing a path for expanded political and economic cooperation. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry clarified that Moscow still adheres to UN Security Council sanctions on Taliban officials.

Although no country has formally recognised the Taliban government, Russia had previously accepted a Taliban representative at the chargé d’affaires level.

According to the ministry, these vaccines are expected to save thousands of lives across the country, where healthcare services have been severely affected by prolonged instability and funding cuts.

Earlier, on World Hepatitis Day, the ministry reported that approximately 15000 people in Afghanistan had been diagnosed with hepatitis in the past year, 12000 of whom were infected with hepatitis B and 1300 with hepatitis C. Abdul Wali Haqqani, the Taliban’s Deputy Minister for Health Services, confirmed these figures.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has continued to call for increased testing, treatment, and vaccination to combat hepatitis in Afghanistan. WHO estimates suggest that over 100000 people in the country have contracted hepatitis over the past decade.

The donation comes at a critical time, as many healthcare centres across Afghanistan have closed following the suspension of US foreign aid, contributing to a surge in preventable infectious diseases.

The Bank further forecasts that economic growth will average just 2.2 percent in the fiscal year 2025–2026.

The report also notes a weakening growth outlook for South Asia amid rising global economic uncertainty. It highlights that enhancing domestic revenue collection could improve resilience across the region and help mitigate the impact of future economic shocks.

Regional economic growth is projected to slow to 5.8 percent in 2025.

Martin Raiser, World Bank Vice President for South Asia, emphasised the need for structural reforms across the region to strengthen economic resilience and foster job creation and sustainable growth.

The World Bank’s previous report, published in February, described Afghanistan’s economy as fragile due to ongoing financial isolation, political instability, and a shortage of skilled human resources. It warned that further reductions in foreign aid could suppress aggregate demand and exacerbate economic challenges.

This warning coincides with the United States' suspension of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Observers caution that continued aid suspensions or a complete halt in aid could push the country towards a humanitarian crisis.

According to the United Nations, over half of Afghanistan’s population is in need of humanitarian assistance.

According to the report, 336 families entered the country via the Torkham crossing, 218 through Spin Boldak, and 193 families crossed the border at Islam Qala.

This announcement comes as both Iran and Pakistan have stepped up their efforts to expel Afghan migrants. Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior stated yesterday that 100,529 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan over the past three weeks.

The second phase of Pakistan’s deportation campaign began in April, targeting both undocumented Afghan migrants and those holding “Afghan Citizen Cards.”