Research Report Highlights Kabul-Tashkent Differences

A research organization, ACPS, has reported that several issues, including Afghanistan’s request for the return of military helicopters stationed in Uzbekistan and the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal, have strained relations between Uzbekistan and the interim Afghan government.

In its report, the research organization noted that despite generally good relations between Uzbekistan and the Islamic Emirate, certain disputes exist between the two sides.

The report also highlights claims regarding the presence of the “Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan” in Afghanistan as another point of contention between the Islamic Emirate and Uzbekistan.

It states: “The ITA demands the return of 50 combat aircraft that remain in Uzbekistan after the Afghan Air Force flew them there in August 2021. There are also concerns and tensions over the transboundary water management of the Amu Darya River, which could escalate once construction on the Qosh Tepa Canal in Afghanistan is completed.”

Mohammad Aslam Danishmal, a political analyst, told : “We need regional cooperation and consensus. At the same time, we must maintain balance in our relations. Therefore, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan should be mindful of these issues.”

The report also cites Uzbekistan’s interest in strengthening ties with the West and its opposition to educational restrictions on girls and women in Afghanistan as additional sources of disagreement between the Islamic Emirate and Uzbekistan.

However, the Islamic Emirate asserts that while Uzbekistan has certain concerns in its relations with Afghanistan, these matters have not led to outright disputes between the two nations.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, stated: “It is natural for countries to have considerations. Sometimes, their demands differ, but this does not mean there is a dispute with any country.”

Jannat Faheem Chakari, another political analyst, commented on Afghanistan-Uzbekistan relations: “Overall, it is essential for both Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to uphold good neighborly relations.”

Over the past three years, Uzbekistan has maintained strong economic and political ties with the interim Afghan government and has officially recognized the Islamic Emirate’s ambassador. However, Uzbekistan’s transfer of seven Black Hawk helicopters belonging to Afghanistan to the United States appears to have cast a shadow over these relations.