Uzbekistan begins construction of madrasa in Afghanistan with $6 million investment

Uzbekistan has commenced the construction of a madrasa in Afghanistan's Balkh region, backed by a financial commitment of $6 million. The news was reported by "Tolo News."

The madrasa is set to occupy a 0.6-hectare area and aims to provide religious education to 1,000 students. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on August 21, was attended by Nurul-Khodi Abu Idris, Deputy Governor of Balkh, and Farhod Nazarov, Uzbekistan's Consul General in Afghanistan.

The Consul General confirmed that the project, which is estimated to cost $6 million, will be completed within a year.

"This religious school is being constructed at the request of the governor of Balkh. We have allocated a year for this project, and it will be completed within that timeframe," stated Nazarov.

He also mentioned that Uzbekistan will soon resume issuing educational and business visas to Afghan citizens.

"The establishment of this madrasa will further strengthen the ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan," remarked Abdujalil Shahidkhil, the head of Balkh's education department.

The construction of the madrasa was agreed upon during negotiations held between Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, and leaders of the "Taliban" on March 12-13 of this year.

It is worth noting that on July 16 of this year, Sheikh ul Hadis Mawlavi Nida Muhammad Nadem, Afghanistan's acting Minister of Higher Education, met with Uzbekistan's ambassador in Kabul, Yodgorkhoja Shodmonov. They discussed ways to enhance scientific relations between the two nations. During the meeting, Muhammad Nadem acknowledged Uzbekistan's continuous support to Afghanistan, particularly in the field of higher education.