Uzbekistan Reveals Past Relations with Islamic Emirate

The Deputy Secretary of Uzbekistan’s National Security Council has disclosed that Uzbekistan had established relations with the Islamic Emirate before it returned to power in Afghanistan.

Abdulaziz Kamilov described his country’s approach as reasonable and timely, adding that many countries that once criticized Uzbekistan for these relations have now changed their views.

Abdulaziz Kamilov said, “During the time of the former Republic of Afghanistan, our president instructed the leadership to establish contact with the opposition of the previous Afghan government, telling them we are ready to assist and that we must be prepared. This policy was very reasonable. We invited the Taliban and established relations with them, and now they have come to power.”

Kamilov added that Tashkent continues to follow an international approach regarding the recognition of Afghanistan’s interim government but stressed that Afghan officials should be invited to regional and international meetings.

“Our current policy is not immediately about recognizing or not recognizing the Taliban. At the appropriate time, we will recognize them, there’s no other option, but we will take this step alongside the international community and the United Nations,” he said.

In another part of his remarks, Kamilov also spoke about the security situation in Afghanistan.

According to him, Afghanistan no longer poses a threat to Central Asian countries.

He further stated, “Thanks to the initiatives of our president and our sensible policies, security in Afghanistan is improving. Today, no one says that the Taliban are going to attack Central Asian countries, something that was often said in the past. Now, peace and stability prevail in Afghanistan, and this is the result of our president’s policies.”

Janat Faheem Chakari, a political analyst, commented, “Uzbekistan’s approach toward Afghanistan has been pragmatic. However, there was an expectation that Uzbekistan would return Afghanistan’s aircraft and possibly be the first country to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate.”

Uzbekistan is the only neighboring country of Afghanistan that, in addition to officially accepting an ambassador from the Islamic Emirate, has consistently emphasized constructive engagement with the interim government in regional and international forums.