Ismatulla Irgashev participates in a briefing at NATO headquarters, delivers a speech

According to the MFA press service, in his speech, he especially noted the fact that “Afghanistan for Uzbekistan is a neighboring fraternal country, with which we are linked by centuries-old bonds of friendship, a common history, religion, customs and traditions”.

It was emphasized that Uzbekistan is pursuing a friendly policy towards Afghanistan based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and consideration of each other's interests. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of the international community building a constructive dialogue with the Taliban, preventing their re-isolation in the interests of the Afghan people and the world community as a whole.

“Without exception, all permanent representatives of NATO member states expressed their sincere gratitude to Uzbekistan for helping to evacuate its citizens from Afghanistan,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The attention of the participants was drawn to the fact that the priority for the entire international community should remain a more active involvement of Afghanistan in regional integration processes, as well as the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.