Afghanistan is a source of not only challenges and threats, but also new opportunities - Uzbek FM

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Afghanistan is a source of not only challenges and threats, but also new opportunities that can be used as the basis for constructive, creative regional projects. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in an interview with the Pravda Vostoka newspaper.

The Foreign Minister noted that a difficult situation is indeed developing in Afghanistan. This is a new reality that we have to deal with.

“Obviously, the situation in this country will still remain a factor of tension in the region, especially taking into account the terrorist groups still remaining on the territory of Afghanistan,” he said.

“Nevertheless, one should take into account the fact that Afghanistan is a source of not only challenges and threats, but also new opportunities that can be used as the basis for constructive, creative regional projects. It is in our interests to prevent the international isolation of Afghanistan and the appearance of a "rogue country" on our southern borders, to prevent the scenario of the late 90s of the last century from repeating itself,” Kamilov said.

He noted that Uzbekistan proceeds from the need not only to prevent the isolation of Afghanistan, but also to intensify the provision of humanitarian assistance to it. According to him, Uzbekistan opened the border with this country and resumed the supply of essential goods - food, oil products and electricity.

“Tashkent also advocates unfreezing Afghan state assets in foreign banks, calls on the world community to continue the implementation of social, economic and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan,” added Abdulaziz Kamilov.

“It was with the aim of solving these problems that the official delegation of Uzbekistan yesterday, October 7, visited Kabul and held constructive negotiations with the leadership and members of the interim government of Afghanistan,” he said.

“We are convinced that the continuation of socio-economic assistance and the implementation of development projects are extremely necessary to prevent a humanitarian crisis, stabilize the situation and post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan. Ultimately, without solving these problems, it is practically impossible to ensure long-term stability in this country and neighboring regions,” the head of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said.

“Uzbekistan does not have any hidden or ambiguous agenda in the Afghan direction. Our position is unambiguous, and our actions are transparent and pragmatic. Uzbekistan is interested in the establishment of Afghanistan as a peaceful and independent state. Afghan soil should no longer pose a threat to the countries of the region and international security. A stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan meets the interests of the entire multinational Afghan people and the world community,” Kamilov said.

He noted that Afghanistan should not become an obstacle, but a bridge for strengthening mutual cooperation between Central and South Asia. This will be facilitated by the trans-Afghan transport and communication projects, which we intend to further promote together with our international partners.

“Implementation of Uzbekistan's initiatives on regional interconnection of Central and South Asia is necessary to address key security problems and build mechanisms for long-term cooperation between the countries of the two regions. In this regard, work continues with partners to adopt a special resolution of the UN General Assembly on strengthening the interconnectedness of Central and South Asia. The issues of promoting interregional cooperation in trade, economic, transport, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres are being resolved,” the head of the foreign policy department noted.

“In a word, the program of measures to promote cooperation with South Asia presented by the President of Uzbekistan is designed for a long-term perspective. The ongoing transit of power in Afghanistan poses urgent tasks for the country, the region, and other involved parties to stabilize and politically resolve the remaining problems,” he said.