Overchuk spoke about the results of the meeting with the Afghan leadership

Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk told reporters on November 25 about the results of negotiations with members of the Afghan leadership in Kabul.

Overchuk said that preparations are underway to create a feasibility study for the Trans-Afghan Railway project, which could become a key factor in improving transportation connectivity in Central Asia. It is also one of the elements of a large North-South international transportation corridor project, which should link the countries of northern Eurasia with the Global South.

The fact that the entire territory of Afghanistan is under the control of the central government has made it possible to conduct road transit transportation, he said.

Overchuk said Afghans are grateful to Russia for its zero customs tariff for goods within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Russian authorities are interested in Afghanistan's development, he said.

"There are a lot of opportunities here, but it is very important that the Afghans themselves tell us what they need now. We will then be able to adapt our program regarding Afghanistan in accordance with the needs that are here," the deputy prime minister stressed and added that Moscow is ready for the development of cooperation with Kabul.

Earlier in the day, Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu said it was important to conduct joint projects between Russia and Afghanistan. He arrived on a visit to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan where he met with the country's top leadership. During four rounds of talks, he discussed economic, security and transportation issues with deputy prime ministers and ministers.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev as his special representative for the development of the North-South transport corridor.

On November 19, participants of the Coordinating Transport Meeting of the CIS countries within the XVIII International Forum "Transport of Russia" in Moscow reported that the multimodal route North - South to Iran will be expanded by the eastern arm through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan. Then the route will go to the ports of Pakistan or to India.