Baradar Leads Islamic Emirate Delegation at 16th International Islamic Kazan Economic Forum – Russia
By Naira Manzoor
In a move signaling a more proactive engagement with regional economies, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, arrived in Tatarstan today leading a senior delegation to participate in the 16th Kazan International Economic Forum. The delegation’s visit comes at a time when Afghanistan is seeking to deepen its economic ties with regional partners and revitalize its role in international platforms after years of political and economic isolation.
Baradar’s participation at the forum is seen as part of the Islamic Emirate’s broader efforts to gain recognition and secure economic partnerships with countries across Asia and the Islamic world. The Kazan Forum, a major event hosted annually by the Russian Federation in cooperation with the Republic of Tatarstan, serves as a hub for dialogue among OIC member states and focuses on promoting multilateral economic cooperation. With over 80 countries and numerous international organizations attending this year, the presence of the Afghan delegation has drawn considerable attention.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, confirmed that Baradar is scheduled to hold several meetings with senior government officials and international economic representatives on the sidelines of the forum. “The Kazan Forum plays an important role among OIC member states in terms of economic cooperation and expanding multilateral relations,” Fitrat stated. He further emphasized that Afghanistan is not only attending the plenary sessions but also participating in a bilateral economic meeting with Russian representatives focused on trade and joint investment opportunities.
This visit also marks a symbolic shift in Afghanistan’s diplomatic image abroad. Notably, the Republic of Tatarstan replaced the tricolor Afghan flag used in previous forums with the white flag of the Islamic Emirate. The change underscores growing regional acceptance of the current Afghan government, at least in economic and diplomatic settings, even as formal recognition by the international community remains elusive.
Economic analysts have cautiously welcomed the Islamic Emirate’s engagement in such forums, viewing it as a practical approach to rebuilding Afghanistan’s economy through regional integration. Abdul Nasir Reshtia, a Kabul-based economic affairs analyst, said: “Such meetings contribute to strengthening strategic economic and political relations between Afghanistan and regional countries. The stronger these relationships become, the more they can facilitate trade and bring investment into the country.” He noted that economic forums provide platforms for Afghanistan to showcase its natural resources, transit potential, and growing markets.
Mir Shakir Yaqubi, another economic expert, believes the Kazan Forum is an opportunity for Afghanistan to stake a claim in shaping regional economic conversations. “Participation in such events enhances Afghanistan’s visibility and its legitimacy as a stakeholder in regional trade. It also helps break the cycle of isolation and demonstrates that the country is open for business,” Yaqubi said. He pointed out that initiatives involving infrastructure, energy, and cross-border trade corridors are all possible areas for cooperation that Afghanistan can tap into through these engagements.
While political tensions and sanctions continue to complicate Afghanistan’s relationships with Western countries, the Islamic Emirate has shifted its focus toward regional alliances and forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the OIC. The Kazan Forum, with its emphasis on Muslim-majority economies, offers a relatively neutral ground for Afghanistan to explore opportunities without the constraints of Western political conditions. Baradar’s delegation is expected to push for new trade agreements, attract investment in agriculture and mining, and discuss transit routes linking Central Asia, South Asia, and Russia through Afghan territory.
The Kazan Forum continues through the end of the week, and Afghan officials have hinted at further bilateral meetings with representatives from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. While the outcomes of these discussions remain to be seen, the Islamic Emirate’s active participation suggests a growing awareness that economic engagement and regional cooperation may offer a more sustainable path forward for Afghanistan amid ongoing humanitarian and development challenges. Whether this presence will translate into tangible benefits for the Afghan population will depend on how effectively these agreements are implemented and how inclusive the resulting economic strategies become.
