Uz.A reported on November 1 that Mawlana Jalaluddin Balkhi international airport in the Afghan northern city of Mazar-e Sharif has been rehabilitated under support of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan delegation from among the representatives of the Ministry of Transport, the Uzaviation Agency, the State Unitary Enterprise Uzaeronavigatsia Center, Uzbekistan Airports JSC, Hydrometeorology Service Center reportedly arrived in Afghanistan to attend a ceremony dedicated to the completion of the process of providing technical assistance to rehabilitate Mazar-e Sharif International Airport named after Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi.
According to Uz.A, Uzbekistan makes a huge contribution to the reconstruction of the economy, and creation of the transport and energy infrastructure of neighboring Afghanistan. Both countries are reportedly promoting several initiatives aimed at further developing mutual trade and economic relations and implementing promising projects.
One of notable examples of such initiatives is the technical assistance provided for the reopening of the Mazar-e Sharif International Airport.
In terms of maintenance, the runway, aircraft turn lanes, and parking markings have reportedly been completely updated. In addition, the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan JSC brought the electrical and lighting supply of the territory to the level of modern requirements.
Lighting and signaling devices on the runways were also repaired. As a result, the airport is now ready to receive flights even at night and in adverse weather conditions. Another important point is that practical assistance was provided for the full preparation for the autumn-winter season.
Representatives of the Afghan side noted that this initiative, based on strengthening fraternal ties, is perceived as a logical continuation of Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen friendly and mutually beneficial relations with neighboring countries, Uz.A noted.
Recall, Afghanistan’s TOLOnews reported in November last year that Uzbekistan has sent a team to rehabilitate international airport in Balkh province.
Esmatullo Ergashev, special representative of Uzbekistan's president, reportedly said during a meeting with local officials on November 14, 2021 that Uzbekistan had sent a 30-member technical team to help Afghans rehabilitate the airport.
“We were urged to help in resumption of the airport and repair the damaged equipment. Hence, we have brought 30 technical staff from Uzbekistan, and they are repairing the equipment and reconstructing the airport and soon the airport will become operational,” Ergashev said, noting that Uzbekistan will try to help Afghanistan in different areas, especially in infrastructure.
