Foreign Ministry's attitude to the Alisher Navoi monument destroyed in Afghanistan

Akhror Burkhanov, spokesman for Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister, said information about damage to the monuments to the great poet Alisher Navoi in Afghanistan had been clarified, it was done by unknown persons.

"The news of damage to the bas-relief and graffiti of the great poet Alisher Navoi in Afghanistan was received with regret. On this issue, Uzbek diplomats contacted the Afghan side, which assured that this act of vandalism in no way reflects the policy of the provisional government, which stands for the strengthening of centuries-old friendly relations with the brotherly Uzbekistan, is an arbitrary and rash act by unknown persons and causes damage to our common historical and cultural heritage.

The Interim Government of Afghanistan will take measures to restore the monuments and ensure respect for the common heritage," a spokesman for the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.