Uzbekistan Joins Trump’s Peace Panel Citing Security Concerns Over Afghanistan
Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy Adviser has explained that the country’s decision to join the peace delegation initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump was primarily driven by security considerations and concerns about regional developments, especially in relation to Afghanistan.
Abdulaziz Kamilov, speaking to the “Uzbekistan 24” television network, stated that the instability and conflicts in the Middle East are directly linked to Afghanistan’s security situation and could also impact the stability of Central Asia. According to him, following the start of wars in the Middle East, several extremist groups and movements relocated to Afghanistan, some of which have ties to Central Asia.
The Uzbek official emphasized that Tashkent’s decision to support this peace initiative aligns with the country’s national interests. He added that the goals and missions of the delegation correspond with the fundamental principles of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, noting that the country holds “important and vital” regional and global security interests.
Kamilov also pointed out that Uzbekistan closely monitors developments in the Middle East due to the threats posed by extremism. He noted that some Uzbek citizens had previously joined extremist groups and caused challenges upon their return; however, government authorities have facilitated their reintegration into society.
This approach, described as humanitarian policy, has been praised by the United Nations and could serve as a model for other countries. Kamilov reiterated that the expansion of extremist group activities in Afghanistan occurred after the Middle Eastern wars and constitutes a shared threat to the region.
The presidential adviser highlighted the need for broader cooperation, emphasizing that tackling these threats requires coordinated participation from the international community—not only the United States and Arab and Muslim countries but also Central Asian nations.
Based on these remarks, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, signed an agreement with Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos to establish the peace delegation. Initially created to end the Gaza war, the scope of this delegation’s activities later expanded; a move that has drawn criticism from some world leaders and raised concerns about weakening the role of the United Nations. Kazakhstan is among the countries that have also joined this delegation.
