Will Uzbekistan recognize the "Taliban"? Abdulaziz Kamilov made an important statement

Deputy Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan, Special Representative of the President for Foreign Policy Abdulaziz Kamilov expressed his important thoughts on the issue of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan's political dialogue with the Taliban.

According to him, the peoples of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have always been close neighbors in cultural, historical and human terms. Our great ancestors - Abu Raykhan Beruni, Alisher Navoi, Zakhiriddin Muhammad Babur, Boborakhim Mashrab - found eternal rest precisely on Afghan soil. This indicates the great importance of developing relations between the two countries.

According to Kamilov, relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have changed significantly in recent years for the better. He cited the recent donation of 16 trucks of white marble from Herat for the Imam Bukhari complex as an example. He emphasized that such sincere and respectful gifts from other countries are not always possible, and are due to the historical proximity of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

Speaking about the history and fate of the Afghan people, Kamilov noted that this country has been turned into a battlefield by many empires. In the 18th-19th centuries, the British Empire, in the 20th century, and NATO forces in the 21st century, caused wars and crises here. The special representative of Uzbekistan emphasized that the international community and neighboring countries should help the Afghan people successfully pass these difficult historical tests.

Noting that the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev had determined to build relations with Afghanistan on the principles of dialogue and cooperation, Kamilov announced that a long-term strategy had been developed by the president to expand this policy. The leader of Uzbekistan, who had previously foreseen the great changes that would occur in Afghanistan, recommended that the former government engage in dialogue with the opposition, but this advice was not followed.

Establishing relations with the Taliban at an early stage was a very good decision for Uzbekistan, because when this movement was currently in power in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan was ready to engage in dialogue with this group. Initially, the international community criticized Uzbekistan's dialogue with the Taliban, but today many countries are trying to establish relations with this movement through Uzbekistan.

Abdulaziz Kamilov emphasized that in order to restore relations with the Taliban, the international community should give them an opportunity to speak out. He also cited the example of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, recalling that this person, whom the international community initially called a terrorist, later won the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Kamilov, the Taliban should also have similar opportunities, and dialogue with them should be conducted not unilaterally, but bilaterally.

The Special Representative also emphasized the importance of providing psychological and social assistance to the Afghan people. He emphasized the need to pay special attention to the morale and social condition of this people, who have been in war and crisis for more than 40 years.

According to Kamilov, today relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are more important than diplomatic recognition or not. He stated that when the time comes, together with the international community, it is necessary to officially recognize the government in Afghanistan, as this is the only way to ensure political balance and regional peace. For now, Uzbekistan's main task is to help maintain peace and stability in this country.

In conclusion, Abdulaziz Kamilov's interview is an important source for understanding Uzbekistan's policy on Afghanistan, clearly showing the practical actions of our country to ensure regional peace and the main principles of its foreign policy. This position once again confirms the role of Uzbekistan as the main guarantor of peace and security in Central Asia.