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Uzbekistan says security concerns, including Afghanistan, behind joining Trump’s Board of Peace
Uzbekistan has explained its decision to join the U.S.-led Board of Peace, saying the move is closely tied to national and regional security priorities — including concerns linked to developments in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East.
Abdulaziz Kamilov, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Policy, told the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel that Uzbekistan supported the initiative because it believes the Board’s goals align with the country’s foreign policy principles and vital security interests.
Kamilov said one of the key motivations for joining the Board was security — especially the risk that instability and extremist groups from conflict zones in the Middle East could spread into neighboring regions, including Afghanistan and Central Asia. He noted that the presence of extremist organizations grew in Afghanistan after wars in the Middle East, highlighting shared regional threats.
He also mentioned cases where some Uzbek citizens had joined extremist groups abroad and later returned home, creating security challenges. The government’s response — facilitating their reintegration into society and preventing further destabilization — has been praised by the United Nations, he added.
The Board of Peace was proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and formally established at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed its charter on January 22.
Originally designed to help resolve the crisis in Gaza, the Board’s scope has expanded to include wider peace and stability efforts. Uzbekistan sees participation as part of a coordinated international approach to conflict resolution and stability promotion involving the United States, Arab and Muslim countries, and Central Asian states.
Kamilov emphasized that Uzbekistan’s involvement also carries symbolic and diplomatic importance, reflecting international trust in Tashkent as a constructive partner on global security issues. He said that stepping into such initiatives demonstrates Uzbekistan’s commitment to peace and regional cooperation.
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Herat governor urges UN to prioritize Afghan domestic products in food purchases
Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the governor of Herat, has urged the United Nations to give priority to domestic Afghan products when procuring food and essential goods.
According to a statement from the Herat governor’s office, Islamjar met with Indrika Ratwatte, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, and Arafat Jamal, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the governor praised the UN’s cooperation and described the support provided during the first wave of returning migrants as a significant success. He emphasized that the local administration is fully prepared to address the needs of any potential new wave of migrants.
Islamjar also stressed the importance of international support in expanding foreign markets for Afghan agricultural and industrial products, and called for easing banking restrictions, facilitating visa issuance, and improving online services for the private sector and local traders.
In response, Indrika Ratwatte welcomed the governor’s proposals and assured that the UN would strive to source necessary goods from Afghan domestic products in the future, while continuing its cooperation with the local administration across various sectors.
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Four civilians killed in Khost overnight in Pakistani military attacks
Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, reported on Thursday that four civilians were killed overnight in Khost province during artillery and mortar shelling by the Pakistani military.
The attacks occurred around 4:00 a.m. in Alishir-Trezi district.
The victims were members of a nomadic family, including a man, a woman, and two children. Three additional children were injured in the strikes.
The Pakistani military also carried out attacks in Kunar province last night. While no casualties were reported there, several homes and private properties were damaged.
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China urges de-escalation in Iran crisis and Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions
Wang noted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is currently shuttling between the two countries to help promote dialogue and reconciliation.
China has called for restraint and dialogue amid rising regional tensions, saying diplomatic efforts are needed to prevent further escalation in both the Iran crisis and the border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China, held a phone conversation with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, to discuss recent developments.
During the call, Wang said the key to preventing further escalation in Iran lies in halting military operations by the United States and Israel. He said China does not condone attacks on Gulf states and strongly condemns strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The discussion also addressed the recent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Wang noted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is currently shuttling between the two countries to help promote dialogue and reconciliation.
He emphasized that the immediate priority is to prevent further escalation and ensure a swift return to negotiations between the two sides.
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