Uzbekistan closed its Afghanistan border to prevent coronavirus spread, while claims about Daesh’s presence in Afghanistan were dismissed by an official from the Islamic Emirate. India is reinforcing ties with Afghanistan through developmental support, and China calls for humanitarian aid and cooperation. The overall situation underscores concerns of health, security, and international interactions in the region.
Uzbekistan has temporarily closed its border with Afghanistan at the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus. This bridge connects the town of Hairatan in Afghanistan’s Balkh province with Termez in Uzbekistan. Provincial spokesman Munir Ahmad Farhad stated that the closure might be brief and subject to reassessment based on health developments.
Recent flights from Iran to Mazar-e-Sharif have not reported any cases of the virus among passengers, and no positive COVID-19 cases have been detected in Balkh province. However, positive cases have emerged in Herat, with suspected cases in the provinces of Ghor, Farah, and Badakhshan. Concurrently, Pakistan has closed its Chaman border with Afghanistan for one week due to similar health concerns.
In response to Pakistan’s claims regarding the presence of Daesh in Afghanistan, Islamic Emirate spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat called such assertions “baseless.” He affirmed the Islamic Emirate’s control over the country and emphasized that unauthorized activities are not tolerated. Fitrat argued that Afghanistan’s absence from international meetings has led to a distorted image of the country, suggesting that recognition in such forums would counter misrepresentations.
Reportedly, Pakistan’s envoy to the United Nations raised concerns about the Islamic Emirate’s ability to combat Daesh and its control over terrorism, claiming over 20 terrorist factions operate within Afghanistan. However, some analysts contend that Pakistan’s narrative serves its political agenda rather than genuine counter-terrorism efforts.
India’s Ambassador to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, recently highlighted the special ties between India and Afghanistan, rooted in people-to-people connections. He stated that India remains committed to supporting Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance and developmental projects, which include over 500 initiatives across the nation.
China’s envoy to the UN, Fu Cong, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in supporting Afghanistan’s humanitarian efforts and economic recovery. He acknowledged the country’s fragile economy, advocating for the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s foreign reserves and increased aid from traditional donors to ameliorate the dire conditions faced by its citizens. Fu also urged the interim government to maintain stability by combating terrorism effectively.
Notably, China reiterated its commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, highlighting its non-interference policy and readiness to collaborate with other nations to promote peace and stability in the region. Fu indicated that no single issue, such as women’s rights, could be solely responsible for the multifaceted challenges Afghanistan faces today.
The current situation along the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan border has prompted Uzbekistan to implement a temporary closure as a preventive measure against the spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan maintains claims of security amidst criticisms regarding terrorism. India continues to enhance its engagement with Afghanistan, indicating a commitment to development and humanitarian support, while China pushes for expanded assistance and collaboration. Overall, the situation reflects a complex interplay of health, security, and international relations within the region.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
