A high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Baradar left Kabul on Wednesday for the Republic of Tatarstan to attend the 16th Kazan International Economic Forum.

The visit aims to enhance economic engagement and explore opportunities for regional cooperation.

In addition to attending the forum, the delegation is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with senior officials from various countries on the sidelines of the event.

The Kazan Forum serves as a platform for strengthening international economic partnerships, particularly among nations of the Islamic world, and will provide the Afghan delegation with opportunities to present its economic priorities and investment prospects.

Addressing the opening session of the forum on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said despite the difficult international situation, Moscow will continue its effective cooperation with Islamic countries.

“For centuries, our multi-ethnic country has embraced broad cooperation with the Islamic world, and today, despite the challenges in international cooperation, we continue to effectively and consistently expand our economic, scientific, educational, humanitarian, and interregional ties,” he stated.

The 16th International Economic Forum “Russia–Islamic World,” also known as the Kazan Forum, officially started on Tuesday and will run through to May 18.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the special representatives of Tashkent and the European Union have held discussions on key issues related to regional security and the current situation in Afghanistan.

According to a statement issued by the Uzbek foreign ministry, Ismatulla Irgashev and Eduards Stiprais also discussed prospects for deepening cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU.

Stiprais, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, expressed his interest during the meeting in holding constructive and systematic dialogues on issues concerning the situation in Afghanistan, the statement read.

He agreed to support regular consultations alongside Uzbekistan’s special representative.

Previously, special representatives from Uzbekistan and the EU had also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, the international community’s efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis there, and the potential use of the Termez International Transport and Logistics Hub for delivering humanitarian aid.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says despite the difficult international situation, Moscow will continue its effective cooperation with Islamic countries.

Putin made this statement in his opening message to the 16th International Economic Forum “Russia–Islamic World,” also known as the Kazan Forum.

He added that Russia will expand its relations with these countries in various sectors.

“For centuries, our multi-ethnic country has embraced broad cooperation with the Islamic world, and today, despite the challenges in international cooperation, we continue to effectively and consistently expand our economic, scientific, educational, humanitarian, and interregional ties,” he stated.

The Kazan Forum, a major global platform for dialogue between Russia and the Islamic world, is being held in Kazan, Russia, from May 13 to May 18.

Officials from the Islamic Emirate have also been invited to attend the forum, and a delegation from Afghanistan is expected to participate.

Meanwhile, several analysts view this event as a valuable opportunity for Afghanistan to enhance engagement and cooperation with the international community, particularly with countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Although Russia has not officially recognized the Islamic Emirate, in recent months it has reopened diplomatic channels and cooperation with Afghanistan, including suspending the designation of the IEA as a banned organization.