An online meeting between the heads of the Afghanistan National Canoeing Federation, the International Canoe Federation and the Asian Canoe Confederation was held on Wednesday to discuss challenges and opportunities for developing canoeing in Afghanistan.

According to a statement from the Afghanistan National Canoeing Federation, Mohammad Nasir Hakimzada, head of the federation, outlined the challenges, needs and existing opportunities for the development of the sport in the country.

The heads of the International Canoe Federation and the Asian Canoe Confederation praised the efforts of Afghan federation officials and emphasized their commitment to continued cooperation and support for the growth of the sport.

Officials from the organizations pledged to organize national and international training seminars, featuring international instructors, both inside and outside Afghanistan, to enhance the skills of Afghan coaches.

They also announced plans to support the Afghanistan National Canoeing Federation in the near future, including the donation of around 10 canoes and other sports equipment.

The heads of the International Canoe Federation and the Asian Canoe Confederation were also formally invited to visit Afghanistan. They pledged to travel to the country next year.

The meeting marks a step toward strengthening international cooperation, improving technical capacity and providing better facilities for the growth and development of canoeing in Afghanistan.

Uzbek and Norwegian officials have held a two-day workshop in Oslo to discuss Afghanistan’s regional integration, security and economic cooperation, according to Javlon Vakhabov, an adviser to Uzbekistan’s president.

In a post on X, Vakhabov said the discussions were convened by the Norwegian Center for Conflict Resolution (NOREF) and focused on promoting pragmatic engagement with Afghanistan through sustained dialogue and cooperation in security, trade, energy, transit and regional connectivity.

The Uzbek delegation included Ismatulla Irgashev, the president’s special envoy for Afghanistan; Rakhmatulla Nurimbetov, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Norway; Odil Gafarov, deputy director of the Institute for Advanced International Studies at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy; and Vakhabov himself.

Vakhabov said he shared Uzbekistan’s experience in peacebuilding and good-neighbourly relations, stressing that lasting stability depends on Afghanistan’s gradual integration into regional cooperation processes.

Governments across Europe and Asia have warned their citizens to exercise caution in France following violent protests over the rising cost of living and declining public services that erupted into riots over the weekend.

The unrest on Saturday saw clashes between protesters and police, looting at shops and a town hall set on fire, prompting several countries to update their travel advisories.

Italy urged its citizens in France to avoid large crowds and exercise extreme caution. Its foreign ministry also advised travellers to register their presence through an official website or mobile application to help authorities locate them if necessary.

Germany warned that further riots could occur in the coming days and urged its nationals to follow instructions from local police. It also cautioned that people could face fines or claims for damages if they failed to leave unauthorised demonstrations when ordered to do so.

The Czech Republic advised its citizens to stay away from demonstrations, marches and public gatherings, citing a deterioration in the security situation, the Czech news agency CTK reported.

Poland similarly urged visitors to avoid areas where demonstrations were taking place, although it made no changes to its overall assessment of France as a travel destination.

The Netherlands has also advised travellers to avoid protests, according to its travel guidance, last updated on October 7.

Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway issued similar warnings, urging their citizens in France to avoid demonstrations and follow instructions from local authorities.

Outside Europe, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said it was monitoring the demonstrations. While travel to France remained unrestricted, it advised Malaysians to consider postponing non-essential trips until the situation improved.

Malaysia’s embassy in Paris also urged citizens in France to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

The warnings reflect growing concern among foreign governments over the potential for further violence as France faces public anger over living costs and pressure on public services. Authorities have urged visitors and residents to monitor local developments and follow police instructions.