Uzbek Minister Shavkat Khamraev stated Afghanistan has a legitimate claim to Amu River water, facilitated through the Qosh Tepa Canal. This project is crucial for Afghanistan’s agriculture and self-sufficiency in wheat. Concurrently, the UN condemned the ongoing ban on girls’ secondary education, affecting millions. Russia’s ambassador noted inadequacies in Afghanistan’s anti-terror efforts while providing support. Additionally, Afghanistan is seeking improved diplomatic ties with the U.S. by requesting the return of its embassy.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Khamraev, affirmed that Afghanistan has a rightful claim to the water from the Amu River, facilitated through the Qosh Tepa Canal project. He encouraged people not to fall for misinformation, reinforcing that Afghanistan and Uzbekistan share a familial bond regarding water rights. Khamraev emphasized, “The Afghans are our relatives. They also have the right to take water from the Amu River. Should we pick up weapons and fight? No, we are building better relations.”
The Amu River serves as a critical water resource for Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, who have utilized it for years. Afghanistan has largely been excluded from exploiting this resource, but the Islamic Emirate aims to rectify this by completing the Qosh Tepa Canal. This canal spans over 280 kilometers and is projected to irrigate 1.2 million hectares in Balkh, Jowzjan, and Faryab provinces, potentially resulting in self-sufficiency for Afghanistan in wheat production.
In another context, the UN expressed deep disappointment at Afghanistan’s ongoing ban on girls’ secondary education, marking the fourth consecutive year of exclusion. Roza Otunbayeva from UNAMA highlighted the adverse effects of this ongoing ban, which has impacted 2.2 million girls, raising concerns for future prospects and broader societal impacts. Otunbayeva articulated, “This ban reduces Afghanistan’s prospects of recovery, and must be reversed.”
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert P. Khorev, commented on Afghanistan’s fight against militancy, noting the challenges stemming from economic instability. He stressed ISIS as a significant threat, while indicating that Russia is collaborating with regional entities to tackle this issue. Additionally, he refuted claims regarding Pakistani arms being supplied to Ukraine, asserting a lack of evidence to support such allegations.
In relation to diplomatic efforts, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, announced requests made to the U.S. for the handover of the Afghanistan embassy in Washington D.C. and the reopening of the embassy in Kabul. This was seen as a step towards better bilateral relations following the recent U.S. delegation visit. Mujahid highlighted that these actions signal Afghanistan’s desire for international recognition.
The aforementioned matters illustrate the complexity of regional dynamics in Afghanistan, from resource management to humanitarian issues and international relations, highlighting the ongoing challenges and aspirations within the country.
Afghanistan’s rights to the Amu River’s water were solidified by Uzbekistan’s endorsement, as expressed by Minister Khamraev. The completion of the Qosh Tepa Canal represents a vital step for Afghanistan’s agricultural self-sufficiency. Concurrently, the UN continues to advocate for girls’ education amidst ongoing bans, and regional security remains a concern for Russia and its partners. Additionally, diplomatic relations with the U.S. could evolve as evidenced by the Islamic Emirate’s requests. Overall, these elements highlight the pressing humanitarian and resource-related challenges facing Afghanistan.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
