Defense Minister Returns from Moscow; Agreement with Russia is Technical-Military, Not a Defense Treaty

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: Upon his arrival at Kabul International Airport, Mr. Mujahid explained the details of this trip to reporters. He said that this trip was made at the official invitation of the Russian government and with the aim of participating in an important international security conference.
Referring to the high level of this meeting, the Defense Minister of the Islamic Emirate emphasized that only a limited number of countries were given the opportunity to speak, and Afghanistan was one of these countries.

It is a technical agreement, not a defense treaty
The main focus of the statements of the Defense Minister of the Islamic Emirate was the agreement signed with Moscow. Clarifying the nature of the document, he said: “This is a technical-military cooperation agreement and should not be interpreted as a defense or security treaty.”
He clarified that the practical stages of this agreement will begin soon and the parties will engage in expert discussions and studies to operationalize its provisions.
Mullah Yaqub Mujahid stated that the ultimate goal of this agreement is to enhance technical capacities and optimally utilize Russian-made military equipment in Afghanistan.
Referring to the country’s weapons inventory, he noted that a large part of Afghanistan’s military equipment, including airplanes, helicopters, and some other weapons, are Russian, and technical cooperation with Moscow is a necessity for their repair, maintenance, and development.

Emphasis on the doctrine of non-threat and priority of national interests
At the same time, the Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate recalled the government’s defense doctrine and said: “The policy of the Islamic Emirate is based on non-threat against any country, and all our military advances are defined within the framework of ensuring security and stability in the region.”
In a strategic stance, he announced Kabul’s readiness to sign similar contracts with other countries, including the United States and Brazil, citing the presence of military equipment manufactured by these countries in Afghanistan’s arsenal. He emphasized that Afghanistan’s national interests are the Islamic Emirate’s red line and no agreement will be signed that goes against these interests.

Response to International and Pakistani Concerns
In another part of the conversation, the Islamic Emirate’s Defense Minister implicitly responded to Pakistan’s concerns. Referring to past border tensions, he said: “A few months ago, Pakistan could have boldly bombed parts of Afghanistan, but we are trying to create such a capacity in the near future that no other country will dare to do so.”

He also said in response to a question about international concerns about military cooperation between Kabul and Moscow that some countries may have their own views, but this issue was not specifically raised in bilateral talks.
At the end of his speech, Mullah Yaqub Mujahid emphasized the determination of the leadership of the Islamic Emirate to strengthen the country's defense base and announced future plans to create defense systems and expand further cooperation in this area.

Details of the speech of the Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate at the Moscow Security Summit
This is while Maulvi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate, during his speech at the Moscow International Security Summit, explained the foundations of Afghanistan's foreign policy and announced that this policy is based on neutrality, balance, positive interaction and mutual respect with the countries of the world.

He emphasized that security and economy are directly linked to each other and without economic and trade cooperation, it will be difficult to achieve sustainable stability in the region.
Continuing his speech in Moscow, he said: "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan believes that security should be ensured through understanding and cooperation instead of confrontation, and Afghanistan can play an important role as a bridge between the countries of the region."

Maulvi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid also added that Afghanistan is committed to not allowing its territory to be used against others and is trying to expand its positive and balanced relations with all countries based on the principles of mutual trust.
He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate supports plans and initiatives that will expand regional cooperation, economic connectivity, develop trade, and create common interests among nations.
He stated that establishing a professional and organized defense system in Afghanistan is one of the fundamental goals of the Islamic Emirate, and said that the goal is for this defense structure, in addition to ensuring the security of Afghanistan, to also play a positive role in strengthening the stability and security of the region.