Uzbek govt calls for efforts to prevent Afghanistan isolation

KABUL (Khaama Press): Speaking at the Ministerial meeting “European Union–Central Asia” in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov called for international efforts to prevent the isolation of Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the importance of preventing the isolation of Afghanistan and its transformation into a pariah country, as well as taking measures to resolve the current difficult humanitarian situation was discussed. Norov urged for coordinated efforts to provide practical assistance to the Afghan people, who are cutting a rough time since the Taliban takeover last August.
“We also exchanged views on the topical issues on the regional and international agenda including sustainable peace and development in neighboring Afghanistan,” said Norov, as UZ Daily quoted.
Referencing the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, the local media said modern Afghanistan is not only a source of challenges and threats, but also new opportunities.
Meanwhile, the representative of the EU expressed concern about the situation of women and girls and called on the government to fulfill its international obligations.
“The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan and their refusal to fulfill their pledge to pursue an inclusive political process – ensuring the most basic rights for women, girls and minorities – is casting a long shadow on the region,” said Josep Borrell, representative of the EU, as TOLOnews quoted.
Addressing the current stand, a number of political analysts said that isolation of Afghanistan has had a negative impact on the region. “The countries of the region and neighboring countries of Afghanistan understand that if Afghanistan goes into economic and political isolation, the biggest countries that will fail in this field are the neighboring countries of Afghanistan…,” said Mohammad Rahimi, political analyst.
The Islamic Emirate leadership has not commented on this issue.
Uzbekistan remains a consistent supporter of Afghanistan in various areas, mainly the development of infrastructure in the country.
During the meeting, the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to form a high-level international negotiating group to coordinate with the Afghan authorities were highlighted.
The Uzbek representative also marked the implementation of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan among top priorities, saying through such major projects like Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway, Afghanistan can become a link between Central and South Asia.