MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. Trade turnover between Russia and Afghanistan doubled in the first six months of this year, showing a stable growth trend, Russian Presidential Special Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said.

"Trade turnover between our countries is growing. In the first half of this year, it doubled," Kabulov told a conference on Central Asia and Afghanistan security held by the CSTO, CIS, and SCO.

While acknowledging that "in absolute terms, the figures are modest," the envoy emphasized that "when it comes to Afghanistan, which is getting back on its feet after a 20-year US-NATO occupation, this is of significant importance."

In his view, "it is important that this trend (of growing trade turnover - TASS) is stable and progressive."

"We will strive to maintain this pace of development," Kabulov assured, underscoring that a "mutually beneficial and constructive engagement" is being built between Russia and Afghanistan.