On June 23, 53 servicemen of the Afghan border troops and fighters of the local militia with weapons crossed into the territory of Uzbekistan. The Foreign Ministry stressed that any attempts to illegally cross into the country’s territory will be strictly suppressed, and the most stringent measures will be taken against violators of the state border.
Uzbekistan is closely following the development of the military-political situation in Afghanistan, including in the bordering northern provinces. This is stated in the statement of the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan.
“The increase in violence in the neighboring country is of utmost concern. The escalation of tensions amid the new wave of the coronavirus pandemic is making life increasingly difficult for the Afghan people. We urge all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from the use of force and to prevent civilian casualties,” the statement says.
It also became known that on June 23 of this year, 53 servicemen of the Afghan border troops and local militiamen with weapons crossed into the territory of Uzbekistan.
After carrying out the necessary procedures of inquiry and investigative actions, these Afghan citizens were returned to their homeland.
The ministry emphasized that any attempts to illegally enter the territory of Uzbekistan will be strictly suppressed, and the most stringent measures will be taken against violators of the state border.
“The Uzbek side firmly declares its commitment to preserving friendly and good-neighborly relations with Afghanistan, maintaining neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of the neighboring country,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The foreign affairs department added that the government of Uzbekistan will continue to provide all-round economic and humanitarian support to the brotherly Afghan people, including through the implementation of major energy, transport and communication projects in the country, the implementation of which will contribute to the establishment of lasting and comprehensive peace in Afghanistan.
Earlier it was reported that more than 130 military personnel of the Afghan government forces crossed into the territory of Tajikistan.
Last Friday, Taliban forces occupied seven districts in Afghanistan. Thus, for the first time since 2001, the Taliban control more parts of the country than the official government.
According to media reports, the Taliban also seized a customs point on the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
On June 23, Shavkat Mirziyoyev had a telephone conversation with the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. During the conversation, the heads of state assessed the situation on the border with Afghanistan as very tense.
