Hamid Karzai called for further intensification of cooperation with Russia and increasing its role in resolving problems in Afghanistan, as well as the region as a whole. He expressed appreciation for Russia’s contribution in various areas.
In discussing their joint fight against current challenges and threats, the presidents of Russia and Afghanistan particularly noted the recent anti-drugs operation, as a result of which a large quantity of drugs and drug-producing equipment was destroyed. The two leaders remarked that the operation involved the first instance of cooperation between antidrug agencies of Afghanistan, the US, and Russia. Both presidents supported further expanding joint efforts in this area and increasing coordination levels.
The leaders also discussed concrete steps to boost Russian-Afghanistani trade and economic cooperation and to promote concrete projects.
The telephone conversation was initiated by the Afghanistani side.