On the Ceremony of Handing Over Humanitarian Aid for Afghanistan
On September 6, 2025, in the city of Hairatan, Balkh Province, a ceremony was held to hand over humanitarian aid sent by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the people of Afghanistan in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the country’s eastern provinces — primarily Kunar and Nangarhar, as well as Laghman, Nuristan, and certain districts of Panjshir.
The shipment, with a total weight of about 265 tons and consisting of medicines and food supplies, was assembled at the Termez Cargo Centre and delivered to Hairatan by 14 cargo trucks.
The convoy of humanitarian vehicles was met in an atmosphere of sincere gratitude and hope. The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, giving the event a special solemnity.
On behalf of the Balkh provincial leadership, Secretariat Head F.Rabi delivered a speech. He expressed deep gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, stressing that the Uzbek leader and his people have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Afghan people during difficult times. F.Rabi noted that this support is a true manifestation of brotherhood, which the Afghan people and their leadership will never forget.
Deputy Governor M.Idris, in his remarks, assured that the entire humanitarian shipment would be delivered precisely to those provinces where the aid is most needed and handed over to families in need.
These words of Afghan representatives, filled with gratitude and sincerity, reflected the overall spirit of the ceremony — trust, respect, and appreciation toward brotherly Uzbekistan. In their statements, Afghan officials stressed that Uzbekistan’s assistance is not just medicine and food. It is a demonstration of solidarity and humanity, a signal that even in the hardest days, there is a friend and neighbor ready to provide support. They highlighted that the Uzbek people have shown compassion and generosity of spirit, which will forever remain in the memory of Afghans.
From the Uzbek side, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan and the Governor of Surkhandarya Region took part in the event. Uzbek representatives noted that such steps reflect the consistent course of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev toward strengthening good-neighborly relations, fostering solidarity, and supporting the Afghan people.
It was emphasized that the humanitarian mission aims to protect human life and health, meet the most urgent needs, and ensure food security in the affected areas.
Following the handover, the parties agreed on practical mechanisms for targeted delivery and fair distribution of the humanitarian aid.
The ceremony in Hairatan became clear evidence that humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan is not only about overcoming the consequences of disasters but also about strengthening the foundations of long-term good-neighborliness, trust, and mutual support.
