Online, March 31, 2022

Your Excellency António Guterres 

Respected Secretary-General of the United Nations!

Distinguished colleagues!

The current difficult situation in Afghanistan is at the center of our special attention.

As you know, currently there is an acute economic crisis in Afghanistan, a difficult humanitarian situation has developed due to a shortage of financial resources, food, medicines and essential goods. 

Unfortunately, due to the well-known processes in the world, we are witnessing a slight decrease in the attention of the international community to Afghanistan. In fact, the Afghan issue has receded into the background of world politics. This should not be allowed. The international community should be responsible for the present and future of this country. 

Today, this state is at a crucial stage of its development. Either this country, with the help of the international community, will create the prerequisites for building the foundations of a normal economy and development, or it will once again become a haven for terrorist and extremist organizations.

Here we have the concurring interests of the international community and the new Afghan authorities, who are taking certain steps to rid the country of terrorists.

The Interim Government is actively responding to the concerns of the international community, and has achieved some visible results.

It is necessary to take specific support measures aimed at helping to solve the most acute social problems in this country in order to prevent Afghanistan from turning into a "rogue state" again. That is why we advocate the unfreezing of the country's financial assets abroad.

Uzbekistan sent humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan twice – in September and December last year, consisting of food, medicines, clothing and coal. We continue to supply electricity to the neighboring country without interruption, which covers 28% of Afghanistan's electricity imports.

About 32% of the goods imported by the Afghan side are transited through the territory of Uzbekistan to the neighboring state.

In addition, our specialists are almost completing the restoration of the international airport in Mazar-i-Sharif.

In particular, it is necessary to assist the new Kabul administration by involving the capabilities of international financial institutions in the implementation of such major infrastructure projects as the construction of the “Termez – Mazar-i – Sharif –Kabul – Peshawar railway and the Surkhan–Puli Khumri electric power transmission 500.

In order to facilitate the centralized and targeted delivery of humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan, we have taken the initiative to create a multifunctional transport and logistics hub in Termez.

The meeting of the heads of transport departments of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan held in Tashkent on March 26-27 of this year was designed to promote the development of common approaches to eliminate deterrents.

Uzbekistan contributes to ensuring the country's needs for competent and qualified specialists. About 300 Afghan students are studying in the country, training courses for civil aviation specialists and medical personnel have been organized.

Distinguished colleagues!

In the Afghan issue, the role of the United Nations should be strengthened and its voice should sound louder than ever. The UN should take even greater responsibility for mobilizing and coordinating international efforts to assist Afghanistan.

Thank you for your attention.