KABUL (SW): Alexander Mantytskiy, Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan said on Wednesday that Moscow would not alter its ties with friendly country Afghanistan over differences with the United States.
He was talking to journalists here after handing over 10, 000 automatic rifles and millions of rounds of ammunition as a gift from Russia to Afghanistan. A while ago, Zamir Kabulov, Russian special envoy for Afghanistan was quoted by some media saying Moscow would stop providing aid to the Government of National Unity in Afghanistan over its ties with the U.S.
Mantytskiy discarded such reports about soaring ties between Russia and the U.S.
He stressed that Russia was ready to help Afghanistan. “We support the Afghans”, he said.
On the backdrop of close historical ties, Russia aims to provide military training to a number of Afghan cadets. Russia has also cooperated with the U.S, particularly during 2010-2014.
Differences over situation in Ukraine and Syria however, have caused a rift over Afghanistan as well.
Mohammad Hanif Atmar, the Afghan National Security Advisor thanked Russia for the support.
He said that the latest gift represents a deep friendship between two nations.
The guns and ammunition were provided under an existing security agreement between the two countries, he added.
ENDS
