Afghanistan International: The Taliban-controlled Ministry of Finance announced on Monday, 19 May, that the World Bank office in Kabul has reopened and started repaying its outstanding debts owed to Afghan logistics and construction companies. According to the ministry’s official statement, the World Bank owes approximately USD 50 million to several Afghan firms. The bank has begun making direct payments today, starting with USD 10.8 million. The remaining balance of USD 39.11 million is scheduled to be paid in three subsequent instalments, coordinated through the Taliban Ministry of Finance. Click here to read more (external link).