Afghanistan Times
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AT Kabul: In a gesture of solidarity, Uzbekistan has delivered 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in preparation for the upcoming Navruz holiday and Eid al-Fitr. The shipment, which includes essential food items such as flour, pasta, vegetable oil, sugar, and beans, was formally handed over in the Afghan city of Hairaton, at the facility of the Astras company.
The ceremony was attended by key officials from both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, including Ismatilla Irgashev, the Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan, Ulugbek Qosimov, the Governor of Surkhandarya Region, and Muhammad Yusuf Vafo, the Governor of Balkh Province. Afghan officials expressed their deep gratitude for the continued support from Uzbekistan and conveyed their warm wishes for the upcoming Eid celebrations.
The delivery of food aid comes at a critical time as Afghanistan continues to face significant economic challenges, compounded by the ongoing political and security situation following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. With traditional international donors such as the United States and the European Union reducing their presence in the country, Afghanistan has increasingly turned to its regional neighbors, like Uzbekistan, for vital assistance.
In addition to the food shipment, Uzbekistan has also extended medical aid. Last year, it was announced that Uzbek doctors would be providing free medical examinations for residents of Balkh. These ongoing efforts reflect Uzbekistan’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s recovery and development during a period of heightened need.
During the visit, Uzbek and Afghan delegations also held talks in Mazar-i-Sharif, discussing future areas of cooperation, including Uzbekistan’s involvement in the construction of the Imam Bukhari mausoleum in Afghanistan. This ongoing partnership marks a growing relationship between the two countries as they work together to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development goals.
As the economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains precarious, Uzbekistan’s role as a regional partner and provider of aid is becoming increasingly vital to the stability of the country.
