Op-ed: Uzbekistan seeks to play a constructive role based on cultural commonalities and good neighborliness in a bid to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, says a statement issued by the Uzbekistan Embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul.
In recent years, a series of international efforts have been made to promote peace, stability and ensure a peaceful and prosperous life for the people of Afghanistan. As one of Afghanistan’s closest neighbors and a believer in lasting stability, Uzbekistan has sought to play a constructive role based on cultural commonalities and good neighborliness.
Uzbekistan, while supporting an inclusive government in Afghanistan, continues its humanitarian efforts for the Afghan people as in the past.
Uzbeks use proverbs that have deep humanitarian and cultural roots, two examples of which are: “(when) Neighbors are calm, you are calm.” Or “A friend is known in times of trouble.” Therefore, the people of Uzbekistan are not only watching the situation of the Afghan people, but also understanding the plight of the Afghan people, extending their hand of friendship and help to the people of Afghanistan, to help and heal the common pain of the people.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has sought to expand its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including on January 10, 2018, when 25 buses and three tractors were delivered to Afghan officials in the city of Hairatan.
In addition, at a meeting held on June 5, 2018 in the city of Hairatan, 3,000 tons of grain was donated to the people of Afghanistan. In addition, rice products and shoes were provided to residents of Balkh and Jawzjan provinces.
More than 600 million tons of humanitarian aid were transported from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan on March 3, 2020, and on June 12, 2021, during the third wave of the Corona virus, 1,000 oxygen cylinders were transported to Afghanistan. Medicine was donated to Afghanistan as well.
On September 14, 2021, 1,300 tons of humanitarian aid, including 25 wagons of rice, flour, food, medicine and clothing, was delivered to the people of Afghanistan.
The government and people of Uzbekistan will continue to stand by the people of Afghanistan and provide humanitarian assistance whenever possible. While Uzbekistan firmly believes in establishing peace in Afghanistan’s neighboring territory, it will continue its practical and humanitarian assistance.
Uzbekistan is interested in creating opportunities for the Afghan people to solve their internal problems and economic development in order to strengthen lasting peace and stability.
In recent years, positive indicators have emerged that have raised hopes for a brighter future, including the establishment of a training center for Afghans in the city of Taram, the capital of the Uzbek province of Sarkand.
A group of Afghan students of all nationalities and ethnicities living in the country attended the “Three Generations Meeting” recently held at the Ice Palace in the city of Brakes. It was emphasized at the meeting that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan would be very valuable and beneficial as far as the principles of good neighborliness and brotherhood are concerned.
It can be said with confidence that fundamental efforts in this direction are a priority and will continue in the future.
Written By: Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Kabul, Afghanistan
