The Foreign Ministry spokesman, Akhror Burkhanov denied reports in the Afghan media that Uzbekistan allegedly agreed to hand back 57 military helicopters to Afghanistan.
“Such reports are not true. Uzbekistan’s position remains unchanged, and the news reported by Afghna media are misleading,” he said.
On September 8, Afghanistan International, citing sources, reported that “in the coming days, Uzbekistan may return 57 military helicopters to Afghanistan, which were hijacked from the country in 2021 after the fall of the previous regime.” However, until now, only 46 military aircraft and helicopters were discussed.
On September 11, The Kabul Times, citing the official representative of the caretaker government of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that Uzbekistan agreed to return 57 military helicopters to Afghanistan.
“The handing back of 57 military helicopters is expected to take place soon and will be an important step in rebuilding Afghanistan’s air force as well as strengthening ties between the two neighboring countries,” the publication quoted Mujahid as saying.
