Russia’s Lower House Speaker Sergey Naryshkin during his visit to capital Kabul on Tuesday said that the presence of foreign troops was vital for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Mr. Naryshkin further added that the capabilities of the Afghan national security forces should boosted in a bid to reduce the need for international troops presence in the country.
He also emphasized that the presence of NATO forces in Afghanistan should be based on UN security council’s agreement and in accordance with the international standards.
“We understand the presence of international forces in Afghanistan is necessary, considering the current situation in Afghanistan, but the need for international forces presence in the country will gradually reduce as Afghan forces capabilities increases,” Naryshkin told reporters in Kabul.
Naryshkin also expressed concerns regarding the growth of opium cultivation and smuggle in Afghanistan, and said opium production has increased by 49 percent during the past one year.
He said Russia remains committed to support the government of Afghanistan to fight opium cultivation and production, and Moscow will double it’s aid to fight drugs smuggle in Afghanistan.
He also added that Russia is prepared to increase scholarships for the Afghan police officers, and will support Afghan security forces in other sectors.
Naryshkin said Russia will continue to supply versatile Mi-17 helicopters to the Afghan Air Force, and will also build a facility to service these helicopters on Afghan soil.
