Uzbekistan Closes Border with Afghanistan Amid Coronavirus Concerns and Geopolitical Dynamics

Uzbekistan has temporarily closed its border with Afghanistan to prevent coronavirus spread, while Pakistan has closed its Chaman border. The IEA refuted claims regarding Daesh’s presence, emphasizing national sovereignty. India and China reaffirmed support for Afghanistan’s stability, advocating for humanitarian aid and economic cooperation amidst ongoing challenges in governance and security.

Uzbekistan has temporarily closed its border with Afghanistan, specifically the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The closure was implemented on Monday morning and connects Hairatan in Afghanistan’s Balkh province with Termez in Uzbekistan. Munir Ahmad Farhad, the provincial governor’s spokesperson, indicated that the border shutdown is a temporary measure that may soon be lifted.

A flight from Iran landed in Mazar-e-Sharif just two days prior, and local officials confirmed that no passengers tested positive for the virus. To date, there have been no recorded cases of COVID-19 in Balkh province, although cases were confirmed in Herat and suspected infections have emerged in Ghor, Farah, and Badakhshan provinces. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also taken precautionary measures by announcing a one-week closure of the Chaman border with Afghanistan.

In another development, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) refuted comments made by Pakistan regarding the presence of Daesh in Afghanistan. Hamdullah Fitrat, the spokesperson for the IEA, labeled these remarks as “baseless” and asserted that Afghanistan maintains sovereignty over its territory without unauthorized activities. He urged that Afghanistan’s representation at the United Nations (UN) should be acknowledged to counter unfavorable narratives.

In a UN Security Council meeting, Pakistan’s envoy highlighted the threat posed by various terrorist groups, including Daesh, in Afghanistan. He argued that the IEA has struggled to maintain control over security issues. Critics suggest that Pakistan’s emphasis on terrorism may serve its own political interests.

India reaffirmed its commitment to Afghanistan, describing the deep-rooted ties shared between the nations. Indian Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish noted ongoing humanitarian aid and future development projects, emphasizing India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s stability and reconstruction efforts.

Furthermore, during a UN meeting, China advocated for increased humanitarian assistance and economic cooperation with Afghanistan, addressing challenges related to governance and human rights. China proposed the reinstatement of travel exemptions for Afghan officials and urged global donors to resume and enhance aid to Afghanistan amidst its economic uncertainties.

Fu Cong, China’s UN envoy, underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue with the Afghan government and championing the rights of all Afghan citizens, especially women. He called for collaborative efforts in combating terrorism, reinforcing the need for unity against shared threats.

Overall, the regional developments underscore the multifaceted challenges Afghanistan faces amidst public health concerns and questions of security and governance as various countries navigate their diplomatic relations with Kabul.

The temporary closure of the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan border due to coronavirus fears highlights ongoing health and safety concerns in the region. Additionally, the IEA’s responses to external criticisms suggest a focus on asserting national control amid international perceptions. Simultaneously, countries like India and China are reaffirming their roles in supporting Afghanistan’s development and humanitarian needs, emphasizing the importance of cooperation while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. As Afghanistan faces multiple challenges, concerted efforts towards stability and support from the international community are critical to its recovery and progression.

Original Source: www.ariananews.af