KAZAN — Afghanistan has asked Russia to send medical teachers to help train Afghan students, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said at the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum," which is being held from May 12 to 17 in Kazan, Russia. The request was disclosed during talks on expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

"In addition, there is a very strong interest in Russian medicine. They have also asked us to send teachers to teach medicine to Afghan students," he said at the forum.

Talks between Russia and Afghanistan over the past two years have covered fuel exports, agriculture, investment cooperation, and trade expansion. The two countries have established diplomatic relations and maintain regular contacts, including between interested agencies.

Bilateral trade currently stands at around $326 million according to Russian figures, while Afghan estimates place the figure closer to $500 million. Trade during the first two months of this year increased by 2.6 times compared with the same period last year.

Afghan officials are interested in importing Russian automobiles and agricultural products. "Afghans remember very well the products the Soviet Union once supplied, including Soviet cars and trucks. They say it would be great if Russia could once again establish such supplies to their country," Overchuk said.

Afghanistan is also exploring the possibility of sending migrant workers to Russia and sees Moscow's interest in the matter, according to Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Nuruddin Azizi. He said various agencies are working on issues related to migrant workers, and that both countries share an interest in achieving tangible results. Azizi also said the only obstacle to sending migrant workers to Russia is language issues, and that a joint commission is working to find a common solution.