KABUL - Kabul has expressed a keen interest in increased cooperation with Moscow in battling the twin scourge of terrorism and drug trafficking.
National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar, currently on a visit to Moscow, told a Russian media outlet the objective behind his trip was to make a pitch for strengthening bilateral links.
Sputnik quoted him as saying: “The reason I am here is to ask Russia for help [against the Islamic State]. Russian help is extremely helpful and effective [in fighting terrorism].”
He is to meet Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushevon ways of boosting political cooperation, security links and economic relations. He hoped for renewed cooperation between Russia and NATO on Afghanistan.
"NATO-Russia cooperation has been extremely well appreciated and evaluated in Afghanistan … we hope this cooperation will resume, because it is in the interest of all three parties," Atmar added.
At his meeting with Patrushev on Tuesday, he will raise a number of issues, including the delivery of Russia’s Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters.
Kabul was ready to negotiate with Taliban if the militant movement shunned violence embraced the national constitution, the advisor said. Otherwise, he warned the insurgents of military action.
Atmar reiterated: “If they don’t accept our offer for negotiations, military action will be taken. If they say yes to peace, we will negotiate. It is now up to them to act.”
Expected to float new proposals on a joint campaign against drug trafficking, the official confirmed receiving ideas from Russia about how to eradicate narcotics.
“But, generally, security cooperation between Afghanistan and Russia will have a direct impact on narcotics, and this cooperation will be in the field of training, education, as well as equipment and weapons."(Pajhwok)