"Restoration of the Afghan economy should be the top priority of the whole international community" - Vladimir Norov

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Vladimir Norov, drew attention to the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan, in his speech at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.

Norov emphasized that the development prospects of Central Asia are inextricably linked with ensuring peace in Afghanistan.

"We are concerned about the lack of international attention to this country, which is experiencing a deep humanitarian crisis. It is extremely important not to allow Afghanistan to become isolated in the midst of existing problems. "This can undoubtedly have a negative impact on regional and international security," he said.

According to the Minister, restoration of Afghanistan's economy, its inclusion in interregional economic processes, implementation of infrastructure and socially significant projects should be the top priority of the international community. For that, the UN, international financial institutions and donor countries should support the country.

A proposal was made to establish a special fund for humanitarian support to Afghanistan in the city of Termiz. It is planned that the funds of the fund will be directed to the elimination of the social crisis, the implementation of educational programs for young people and projects in the field of health.

Vladimir Norov also drew attention to the resolution "On strengthening the interdependence between Central and South Asia" adopted by the UN General Assembly in July 2022 at the initiative of Uzbekistan, which envisions an involvement of Afghanistan in economic cooperation and turning it into a bridge connecting the two regions.

Transregional infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Termiz-Mazari-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway should be implemented in order to implement these ideas.

"The establishment of an Interregional Interdependence Center by Uzbekistan with the support of the UN in Tashkent will also help to solve the problems of involving Afghanistan in regional trade and economic relations," the Uzbek Foreign Minister said.