ECONOMY — June 14, 2026

Afghan Deputy Minister Urges Start of Practical Work on Mes Aynak Project

Deputy Minister Abdul Rahman Qanit told Chinese delegates that the project faces no obstacles and that the contractor must meet its obligations to deliver benefits to both countries.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Bakhtar News — corroborated by Omid Radio2 min read

Afghan Deputy Minister Urges Start of Practical Work on Mes Aynak Project
Image courtesy Bakhtar News

A meeting took place between Abdul Rahman Qanit, Deputy Minister of Policy and Programs at Afghanistan's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, and a Chinese delegation headed by Wei Huaxiang. The discussions centered on the Mes Aynak project, which involves copper mining in Afghanistan.

Qanit highlighted the project's importance to both Afghanistan and China. He called for the start of practical work on the project without further delay. According to Qanit, there are no obstacles currently standing in the way of launching the initiative. He also emphasized that the contracting company should fulfill its commitments in a timely fashion. This would allow both countries to reap the benefits from the project.

During the meeting, the Chinese officials provided updates on the progress made so far on the Mes Aynak project. They also outlined the challenges encountered, as well as proposals and requirements needed to advance the work.

The Mes Aynak project is considered to be of special importance. Officials expressed hope that the project will contribute positively to economic relations between Afghanistan and China. The meeting aimed to address any outstanding issues to facilitate the beginning of operations.

Qanit reiterated the position of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum on the need for swift action. The Chinese side listened to the concerns and shared their perspectives on how to proceed with the project. Both parties agreed on the value of cooperation in this endeavor.

The talks are part of ongoing efforts to develop mining resources in Afghanistan with international partners. The focus remains on ensuring that the project moves from planning stages to actual implementation.

Read the original reporting at Bakhtar News

Reliability assessment

Two independent sources corroborate the core event of the meeting and the on-record statements by named Afghan Deputy Minister Abdul Rahman Qanit; minor title discrepancy does not affect verification of the event itself.

The source language reads straight.

Independent web corroboration

An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.

Across the newsrooms

Where reports agree

  • Meeting took place involving Abdul Rahman Qanit and Chinese delegation focused on Mes Aynak copper project
  • Chinese side shared project progress, challenges, proposals and requirements
  • Qanit described project as valuable/important for both countries and Afghan people and called for immediate start of practical work with no obstacles cited

Where reports differ

  • Slight variation in Wei Huaxiang's exact title (Bakhtar describes as General Consul of Asian Affairs Department plus mentions Chinese Ambassador to Kabul separately; Omid describes as Director-General of Asian Affairs Department)

Filed by 2 outlets

Filed under

EconomyMes Aynak, China, Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Copper mining, Afghanistan-China relations

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