Putin wishes to stop decline in Russia-Afghanistan economic relations
BISHKEK. Sept 13 (Interfax) - President Hamid Karzai expects Afghanistan to develop its relations with Russia even after the election of a new Afghan leader in 2014.
"Hopefully, Afghanistan will hold its presidential election on time and a new president will be elected. And I am positive that the new president will also maintain relations with Russia," Karzai told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
Four candidates, including "one present in this room", have expressed their intention to run for the presidency in Afghanistan, he said.
Afghanistan is interested in military-technological cooperation with Russia, Karzai said. "We need assistance of Russia in the matters of security and the Afghan Armed Forces and we request your assistance and support," he said.
Putin replied that Russia was assisting Afghanistan with the delivery of armaments and ammunition, partially on gratis terms, and training Afghan army and law enforcement officers.
At the same time, the Russian leader noted a decline in bilateral trade and economic relations. "Unfortunately, there has been a certain decline in the economic sector. I would like to speak about that today," Putin said.
