The reconstruction of Afghanistan's economy should become a common priority of the international community

In his statement at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov focused on the situation in neighboring Afghanistan.

Vladimir Norov noted that the prospects for the development of Central Asia are inextricably linked with ensuring peace in Afghanistan

- We are concerned about the decline in international attention to this country, which is experiencing a deep humanitarian crisis. We consider it extremely important to prevent the isolation of Afghanistan, leaving it alone with the existing problems. This will undoubtedly have negative consequences for regional and international security, - said Uzbek Foreign Minister.

It was emphasized that International Conference on Afghanistan held in July in Tashkent with the participation of the delegation of the interim government showed the interest of the world community in the development of coordinated approaches towards this country.

Minister is convinced that the general priority of the international community should be the restoration of the Afghan economy, its integration into interregional economic processes, the implementation of infrastructure and socially significant projects. To solve these problems, the support of the UN, international financial institutions, and donor countries is needed.

Uzbekistan is making a feasible contribution to the international efforts to assist Afghanistan. Uzbekistan has established the International Transport and Logistics Hub in the border city of Termez, which is actively used by UN agencies to provide humanitarian assistance to this country. 

Vladimir Norov proposed to create a special Humanitarian Support Fund for Afghanistan in Termez and send its financial resources to overcome the social crisis, implement educational programs for the youth as well as healthcare projects.

Head of Uzbek delegation drew participants' attention to the UN General Assembly Resolution on “Strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia” adopted in July 2022, at the initiative of Uzbekistan, which prioritizes the involvement of Afghanistan in economic cooperation, and its transformation into a bridge connecting the two regions.

The practical implementation of these ideas will be facilitated by the implementation of trans-regional infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway.

Minister Norov truly believes that the solution to the problems of involving Afghanistan in the regional trade and economic ties will be facilitated by the proposed establishment by Uzbekistan with the support of the UN of the Interregional Center for Connectivity in Tashkent.