A delegation of the Taliban, led by Nooruddin Azizi, acting minister of industry and commerce, is set to participate in the 16th Kazan Forum.

According to the TASS news agency, the delegation will discuss new opportunities for enhancing cooperation between Kabul and Moscow during the event.

The report states: “It is expected to be led by Minister of Trade Nooruddin Azizi. During the visit, plans are to try to find new opportunities for cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan.”

Meanwhile, the acting minister emphasized Afghanistan’s active and coordinated participation in the Kazan Forum during a meeting with the private sector held in preparation for the event.

Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the ministry, stated: “The acting minister of industry and commerce has emphasized effective coordination and active participation by Afghanistan, stating that discussions have taken place with the Kazan Forum organizers and the best location has been arranged for the Afghan delegation.”

The international Kazan Forum is scheduled to take place from May 13 to 18, 2025, in Kazan, Russia.

Previously, Russia’s special representative for Afghanistan had indicated that a bilateral trade meeting might also be held on the sidelines of the forum.