Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, in an interview with TRT Avaz, discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of international engagement with the Taliban-led government.
President Japarov noted that the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021 and continue to govern the country. He highlighted that Kyrgyzstan and some other nations have removed the Taliban from their lists of banned organizations, with Russia also considering a similar move.
He stated that Kyrgyzstan established contact with the Taliban shortly after their rise to power to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan population. Several shipments of aid have already been sent. Japarov underscored the potential negative impact of continued instability in Afghanistan on the broader region.
Japarov called for greater international cooperation with the Taliban government, noting that their prolonged isolation exacerbates the challenges faced by the Afghan population. According to the president, the Afghan people’s continued support for the Taliban indicates their control over the situation, despite limited external assistance.
President Japarov addressed the issue of Afghanistan’s frozen assets, valued at $9.4bn, held abroad, with $7bn of these located in the United States. He stressed the urgent need to release these funds to improve living conditions in Afghanistan, restore infrastructure, and provide affordable loans to citizens through local banks.
He emphasized that the return of these assets could aid agricultural development and improve livelihoods. Japarov pointed out that hunger remains a significant issue for many Afghans.
Japarov urged Western nations to recognize the Taliban-led government and unfreeze the funds to ensure the well-being of the Afghan population.
The Kyrgyz President proposed training Afghan students in various specialties at Kyrgyz universities as part of technical assistance programs. He expressed Kyrgyzstan’s willingness to collaborate on international initiatives aimed at supporting Afghanistan. Japarov invited countries to support this proposal and pledged to develop a detailed implementation plan if such assistance is offered.
Earlier Daryo reported that the Taliban in Afghanistan recently issued a decree barring women from enrolling in medical training programs, effectively closing one of the last remaining avenues of education for older girls and women. The decision, announced by the Taliban's supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, during a meeting with the Ministry of Public Health, has far-reaching implications for the country's healthcare system and women's fundamental rights.
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