Uzbekistan Closes Border with Afghanistan Amid Coronavirus Concerns
Uzbekistan has temporarily closed the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge over coronavirus concerns, while Pakistan also closed its border with Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan rebuts Pakistan’s claims about Daesh activity as unfounded, asserting national security. India reinforces its partnership with Afghanistan, and China calls for increased humanitarian aid and economic cooperation as the country faces multiple challenges.
The Uzbekistan government has closed the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus. This strategic bridge connects Hairatan in Afghanistan’s Balkh province with Termez in Uzbekistan. According to Munir Ahmad Farhad, a spokesperson for the provincial governor, the closure is temporary and may reopen soon. Local officials confirmed that a recent flight from Iran that landed in Mazar-e-Sharif reported no virus infections among passengers.
Currently, no positive coronavirus cases have been recorded in Balkh province, although Herat has confirmed one case, and potential infections have been reported in Ghor, Farah, and Badakhshan provinces. Concurrently, Pakistan has also enforced a one-week closure of the Chaman border with Afghanistan, further addressing the coronavirus crisis.
On another note, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has dismissed Pakistan’s claims regarding Daesh operations in Afghanistan as unfounded. Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat expressed that Afghanistan is secure and that all activities within its borders are regulated. He criticized certain nations for misrepresenting Afghanistan in international forums, asserting that the nation operates a unified government free from unauthorized actions.
Fitrat emphasized: “The Islamic Emirate has control over the entire geography of the country, and there is no unauthorized activity here, nor is it allowed.” This statement refuted allegations by Pakistan’s envoy to the UN, Munir Akram, which asserted that Daesh poses a significant threat in Afghanistan due to the presence of numerous terrorist groups.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of special ties through people-to-people engagement. During a UN Security Council meeting, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, conveyed that bilateral discussions have included humanitarian assistance and future development projects. He reiterated India’s ongoing support for Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts, which encompass over 500 projects across the country.
In a separate appeal, China’s envoy to the UN urged the international community to maintain cooperation with Afghanistan’s government, advocating for an increase in humanitarian aid and economic partnerships. Fu Cong pointed out that while Afghanistan has experienced economic growth, the nation still faces substantial challenges in humanitarian, educational, and health sectors. He called for the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s foreign reserves and a renewed commitment from traditional donors.
Fu remarked: “We hope that the Afghan side will take the legitimate international concerns seriously and effectively respect women’s equal rights to education, employment, and public life.” He reiterated the necessity for a cooperative approach towards enhancing security and countering terrorism in Afghanistan, stressing the importance of international solidarity in the fight against terrorist groups such as Daesh and Al-Qaida.
The closure of the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan border serves as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak, reflecting heightened health concerns in the region. Additionally, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan dismisses claims regarding security threats from Daesh and emphasizes national stability. Meanwhile, India and China are actively engaging with Afghanistan to provide humanitarian aid and support economic development, highlighting the complexities of international relations in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the Afghan government.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
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