UAE Participates in 'Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development' Conference in Tashkent

The UAE participated in the "Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development" conference, which was held in the Uzbek capital Tashkent from July 25-26, 2022. The country's delegation was headed by His Excellency Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, Director of the International Security Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

In a speech at the conference, HE Al Zaabi underscored the UAE's firm position in support of security, peace, and stability and efforts to achieve social and economic development in Afghanistan. Al Zaabi remarked, "Achieving security and stability in Central Asia is important to the region and the world."

He explained that the UAE attaches great importance to combating terrorism and extremism in all its forms. His Excellency pointed to the UAE's condemnation of the two terrorist attacks that took place in Afghanistan in June that targeted a mosque in northeastern Afghanistan and a Sikh temple in the capital, Kabul, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of innocent people. His Excellency expressed his sincere condolences to the Afghan people and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

His Excellency added, "Women's rights and the education of Afghan girls should be a primary goal for all countries," as this is the main focus of UAE efforts. In this context, His Excellency reviewed Sheikha Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed's initiative to empower Afghan women, provide them with job opportunities, and ensure a decent life for them through the Afghan carpet weaving project to produce carpets and develop the Afghan countryside.

Al Zaabi also reviewed the UAE's relief and development assistance provided to the Afghan people, noting the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, to operate an air bridge carrying food baskets, medical supplies, a medical team, and a field hospital to address the impact of the devastating earthquake that struck the Khost and Paktika provinces in southeastern Afghanistan last month. He also commended the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid through the establishment of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF).

His Excellency concluded his speech by expressing his wish for the desired results from the Tashkent International Conference to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for the Afghan people.