Alexey Overchuk, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, has revealed that discussions are ongoing between Russian officials and the Taliban concerning the Afghan-Trans railway project.

While specific details of the talks were not disclosed, Overchuk confirmed Moscow's readiness to engage in the project.

Speaking at the Russia-Islamic World Economic Forum in Kazan, he noted that the Afghan-Trans railway project is currently undergoing thorough evaluation. Overchuk underscored Russia's preparedness and capability to contribute to this significant infrastructure venture.

Approximately a week prior, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry shared news of a meeting in Kabul between Amir Khan Muttaqi, the group’s Foreign Minister, and Ilkhom Makkamov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Transport. During this meeting, it was mentioned that a technical team of engineers had been dispatched to Kabul to assess the Afghan-Trans railway project, with practical implementation expected to commence shortly.

The project, a collaborative initiative among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, aims to link Uzbekistan’s railway network with Pakistan’s through Afghanistan.