AKIPRESS.COM - Uzbekistan has sent humanitarian aid to neighboring Afghanistan to help the Afghan people overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as prevent a possible humanitarian and food crisis, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said.

The aid, including foodstuffs, other essential goods, medicines, clothing and footwear, was handed over in a ceremony held in the Afghan border town of Hairaton, Xinhua reported. The official representative of the interim government of Afghanistan announced by the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, "on behalf of the entire Afghan people, expressed deep gratitude to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the great attention, support and solidarity shown in these difficult times for the country," said the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

Mirziyoyev said earlier this month that his country was ready for a dialogue with the Taliban movement in Afghanistan, and that they have been in daily contact.