In the current difficult situation, the implementation of an open and pragmatic foreign policy based on mutual trust and respect with our neighbors, countries that are our strategic partners, as well as international organizations have become the most important priority for the tasks outlined by the state.

This principle was once again reflected in the Address of the President to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan. It was emphasized that attention will continue to be paid to strengthening multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation.

This is also evidenced by the fact that Uzbekistan pays attention to preventing the economic and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and provides gratuitous assistance to our closest neighbors in the current difficult conditions.

Along with providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan has created an opportunity for other countries and international organizations to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan through its territory. Thus, the United Nations has established the Termez Cargo Center in Surkhandarya region for sending humanitarian cargo to Afghanistan.

On 22 December, 9 special trucks with humanitarian aid to the fraternal Afghan people from the Republic of Uzbekistan left for Afghanistan through the Ayritom border customs post. After the special trucks were met in the city of Hairatan, Balkh province, bordering on Surkhandarya region, a ceremony of handing over gratuitous aid was held on the territory of the Astras company with the participation of officials from the two countries.

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan Ismatulla Irgashev, Hokim of Surkhandarya region Tura Bobolov, Governor of Balkh province Mullo Muhammad Dovud Muzammil and others noted that friendship and good neighborliness between the Uzbek and Afghan peoples, dating back centuries, have reached a new stage of development in recent years. It was noted that the gratuitous assistance of Uzbekistan to the closest neighbor in such a difficult time serves to support the oppressed Afghan people. Deep gratitude was expressed to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the assistance provided. Issues such as establishing cooperation between Surkhandarya region and Balkh province, familiarization with the reforms carried out in Surkhandarya region, and the development of pilgrimage tourism were discussed.

The humanitarian cargo includes 48 tons of flour, 30 tons of sugar, 48 tons of wheat, 15 tons of vegetable oil, 10 thousand pieces of canned food, 22 tons of pasta, 1000 men’s and children’s winter clothes, 500 pairs of children’s, 250 pairs of men’s and 250 pairs of women’s winter shoes.

Kholmumin Mamatraimov, UzA