Kabul: Russian and Afghan officials convened in Kabul on Monday to discuss strategies for enhancing political relations and economic cooperation. This development comes as Moscow has stated its intention to remove the 'Islamic Emirate's' name from its blacklist, signaling a shift toward more formalized relations. According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting in Kabul involved Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, and Russian Secretary of the National Security Council, Sergey Shoigu. The discussions centered on boosting trade activities, improving transit routes, and fostering Russian investments in Afghanistan. This high-level meeting also included participation from Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy, as well as Zamir Kabulov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan, among other officials from both nations. Prior to the se discussions, Kabulov had met with Afghanistan's top diplomat, Amir Khan Muttaqi, which set the stage for the Monday meeting. Baradar highlighted Afghanistan's emerging role as a regional hub for economic cooperation, trade, and transit, bolstered by the restoration of security and stability. He further mentioned that the Afghan government has taken steps such as banning narcotics cultivation and dismantling groups detrimental to the region's security and economy. In soliciting Moscow's support for Kabul's exports, Baradar expressed Afghanistan's commitment to playing a pivotal role in the North-South Economic Corridor, aiming to enhance economic connectivity and address regional challenges. Shoigu, who visited Kabul under the directive of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed Russia's interest in elevating bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan. He also announced Russia's plan to remove the 'Islamic Emirate's' name from its blacklist to further political and economic relations. Russia conveyed its support for the Afghan-Trans project and expressed readiness to begin practical economic cooperation, particularly following agreements reached during the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum. Both parties underscored the importance of establishing a joint governmental commission to promote extensive cooperation in trade, transit, and investment.