(TheLibertyRevolution.com)- A deal is expected to be finalized soon with the Taliban and Russia, giving both the isolated terrorist organization in Afghanistan much needed imports and the enemy of the West, Russia, an economic boost, according to Newsweek.
A delegation of Taliban officials are reportedly in Moscow negotiating the deal as they intend to secure imports of wheat, gas and oil. The Taliban are seeking to alleviate the “diplomatic freeze” that followed Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Russians are trying to circumnavigate the increased Western sanctions as a result of their so-called “special military campaign” in Ukraine.
Both countries are facing hostility as the Taliban are not formally recognized after they seized power last year. But China and Russia have kept their embassies open in Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul. Russia has also reportedly hosted talks with Taliban trade officials.
An unnamed source within Afghanistan’s office of the Minister of Commerce and Industry told Reuters that a deal is expected to be finalized soon.
Trade between the two countries indicates that a tight trade alliance, as Afghanistan is receiving the majority of its food and oil from Russia since Russia offers less expensive wheat and oil. Trade between the two countries reportedly amounts to $200 million annually.
The sanctions have not slowed down Russia’s oil exports, as it saw about $90 billion in revenue from fossil fuel exports in the first 100 days of its invasion of Ukraine, the outlet reports. While reduced price and lower demand for oil caused the country lose around $200 million a day, increased global demand has caused Russia’s export prices to remain 60% higher than last year.
Demand primarily comes from China and India, but despite Western sanctions, European countries have been reliant on Russia for oil, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France and Poland.
