Dmitry Medvedev signed an executive order appointing Zamir Kabulov as presidential special representative for Afghanistan.
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In order to ensure the sustainable development of Russian-Afghan relations, which have recently received a strong impetus, to support international efforts to rebuild a peaceful, independent and prosperous Afghanistan free from terrorism and drug-related crimes, and with regard for the importance of interagency coordination on Russia’s policy toward Afghanistan, the President of Russia has established the post of special representative for Afghanistan and appointed Zamir Kabulov, director of the Second Asia Department at the Foreign Ministry, to the post.
Zamir Kabulov is an experienced diplomat and orientalist, who has been working at the Foreign Ministry (specialising mostly in Afghanistan) since 1977. In November and December 2001, he headed the Russian delegation at the International Conference on Afghanistan in Bonn. In 1995–1996, Zamir Kabulov repeatedly held talks on the release of Russian pilots with the leadership of the Taliban in Kandahar, including Mohammed Omar.
In 2004–2009, Zamir Kabulov served as the Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan.
He has been awarded the Order for Personal Courage, the Order of Honour, and the Order of Peoples’ Friendship for his achievements in Afghanistan. He also holds Afghan state awards.