Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan Yodgorkhodja Shadmanov spoke about the relations between the two countries in an interview with RTA. According to the diplomat, the Afghan delegation was invited to the SCO summit in Samarkand as guests. In addition, the ambassador spoke about the recognition of the current government in Afghanistan. 

- When you arrived in Afghanistan, what was the situation like? 

- First of all, thank you. If you look at the roots of relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, then these were interstate relations. If one side of the Amudarya is Uzbekistan, then the other is Afghanistan. For many years, the two peoples have been living together, trade is developing. I have been here in Afghanistan for a long time. 15 years ago in Mazar-i-Sharif, I worked as a consul general. I have become intimately acquainted with the hard-working Afghan people, I have friends and established cooperation. In 2012, I arrived in Kabul as an ambassador. I try to strengthen political, economic and scientific relations between the countries. I am a supporter of peace and tranquility in Afghanistan. I see the hardworking Afghan people, here I have made friends with many people.

- After the Islamic Emirate came to power, what did you do? 

- It’s been two years since the Taliban came to power throughout Afghanistan. We have maintained our relationship and continue to cooperate in all areas. Even if no country has recognized the Taliban, we continue to cooperate. In October 2021, we organized a large business forum in Termez. Then a large Afghan delegation headed by Mr. Hanafi took part in the event. 60 people came to Termez. The Uzbek delegation was then headed by Sardor Umurzakov. After that, within two years, six delegations arrived from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan. Several delegations visited Uzbekistan. 

Most importantly, at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a large conference on Afghanistan was organized in Tashkent. It was attended by delegations from 40 countries, including Afghanistan. The Afghan Foreign Minister led a representative delegation to the conference. Last year, in September, the SCO summit was held in Samarkand. The Afghan delegation took part there as guests. 

A week ago, the head of the Afghan standards department, Mr. Tamim, visited Uzbekistan. He got acquainted with the work of standardization at the enterprises of Uzbekistan. He also held meetings with representatives of the Uzbek oil and gas company. Cooperation in this direction continues. 

- What are the opinions in Uzbekistan regarding the official recognition of the government of Afghanistan? 

- Firstly, we know what conditions the world community put forward for the Afghan government to be recognized. These are many points that are indicated in the document and were signed between the US and Afghanistan. First of all, it is an inclusive government. This is a very serious matter. This is one of the conditions of the world community. The second condition is the protection of women’s rights. I think if the current government in Afghanistan seriously deals with these issues and solves these problems, then not only Uzbekistan, but the entire world community will recognize this government. The Uzbek authorities also expressed their views on this issue. I hope that the issues will be resolved and the Islamic Emirate will be recognized. 

- What changes have you seen in Afghanistan over the past two years? 

- When the government came to power, I was in Kabul. The first achievement is the economy. Previously, 70% of the budget was formed with the assistance of foreign financial assistance. Now money is not allocated, but despite this, the budget has been formed. This is a big achievement. Secondly, trade turnover is growing. Exports have grown over the past year. Third, corruption. Many say and express opinions that corruption is being reduced. This is also a great achievement. Fourth, security. 

- What is your opinion about the drug business in Afghanistan? 

- The government of Afghanistan, its corresponding decree played a significant role. Drug trafficking has been significantly reduced. We are talking drug addicts. They are being treated now, 3.5 million people is not a small figure. Crop areas are shrinking. There are two opinions in the world community about this, but I think that if the decree is implemented, there will be certain achievements. 

- Could you express your opinion on the international relations of the government of Afghanistan with foreign countries? 

- Now relations with the world community have deteriorated a little, the reasons are known to all. But despite this, embassies work in Kabul. In addition, representatives of Qatar, Turkey, China, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan work here. I think the relationship will continue. 

- Embassies of some countries stopped working in Kabul. What is your opinion? 

- Each country establishes relations with Afghanistan based on its own interests. The embassies of Uzbekistan and other countries operate in Kabul, this is the internal work of each country, and these countries themselves determine the foreign policy. Whether a country will have an embassy in Kabul or not is the foreign policy of that country. I can’t give advice to anyone. 

- At what level are economic relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan? 

- I believe that the basis of relations between Uzbekistan and the current government of Afghanistan is trade-economic relations. We are actively developing them. The numbers and figures are only growing. Last year, the trade turnover between the countries amounted to $650 million, and in the first half of this year it was already $400 million. I think that by the end of the year, the turnover will reach 750-800 million dollars. 

Documents are being signed, last year the Minister of Trade of Afghanistan visited Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed 875 different contracts worth $2.1 billion. 

Another important point: currently, 1,091 Afghan entrepreneurs are working in Termez and in other regions of Uzbekistan. In addition, Uzbekistan takes part in major projects that are important for Afghanistan. One of them is a railway project, in particular, the “Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar” road. Last week, railway workers from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan met in Peshawar and signed the relevant documents. 

Another area is the power industry. The project of joint construction of the power transmission line “Surkhan – Puli-Khumri”. Electricity will be exported from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan. What will it bring to Afghanistan? If the project is implemented, Uzbekistan will supply Afghanistan with 500 MW of electricity. This will be a great help for the Afghan people. There are other projects as well. 

A large Uzbek delegation is expected to visit Afghanistan, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev. There is an intention to hold a big business forum. 

- Will the railway pass from Uzbekistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan? What is the benefit for the Afghan economy? 

- This is a very important project not only for Afghanistan, but for the entire region. If this road is built, not only Uzbekistan, but also other countries will go to the sea through Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is an important transit road that will link Central and South Asia. Afghanistan will have financial benefits through transit. The importance is that this project will help in increasing the financial well-being of the Afghan people. 

- You spoke about Afghan entrepreneurs who work in Uzbekistan. What conditions are created for them? 

- Uzbekistan has created conditions not only for Afghan, but also for all foreign entrepreneurs. There are benefits for them. As a result, more than 1,000 entrepreneurs are already working in Uzbekistan. Because of these benefits, Afghan entrepreneurs are contributing to major projects. 31 Afghan companies have invested $118 million in Uzbekistan and are developing their business. Benefits give their results, there are also tax benefits. 

- What areas of investment are interesting for Uzbekistan in Afghanistan? 

- Many delegations visit Afghanistan. Previously, there was a large project, the construction of an assembly plant for GM cars in Afghanistan. 

- Education. Afghan citizens study in Uzbekistan. What are the conditions, what are the opportunities? 

- This is a very relevant topic. In this area, on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, an educational center was organized in Termez for Afghan youth four years ago. The goal is the education of Afghan youth – undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies. The results are positive. About 250 students graduated and received diplomas. Graduation was held at the center the other day. 135 Afghan students completed their studies, 110 of them in the direction of the Uzbek language and literature, 25 – transport and electricity. These young people will return to Afghanistan and contribute to the development of the country. 

In the direction of the master’s program, 21 students from Afghanistan are studying in Tashkent. In some universities, Afghans complete doctoral studies. 

Also, at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, two years ago, 50 quotas were allocated in the universities of Uzbekistan for Afghans. Now students study at 6 universities in various areas, including the Uzbek language and literature, journalism, medicine and others. 

We continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan in this direction. 

The Ambassador also spoke about the development of education and medicine in Afghanistan, cultural exchanges and events.