Fasihuddin Fitrat emphasizes military readiness at 313 Central Corps graduation

KABUL — Afghanistan’s Chief of Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, emphasized the vital importance of military readiness and proper equipment during the eighth graduation ceremony from the 313 Central Corps Training Center.

A total of 153 soldiers completed their training at the event. Fitrat stressed that preparedness is essential to defend against those who challenge the unity, strength, and honor of the Islamic system and the Afghan people. He highlighted that the Islamic Emirate maintained fully trained and equipped forces even during past sensitive and challenging conditions.

The Ministry of Defense stated that maintaining readiness and proper armament is both a religious and national duty. Leaders of the Islamic Emirate have historically ensured their forces remain prepared under all circumstances, the ministry added.

Officials said the Islamic Emirate continues to prioritize comprehensive readiness of its forces to counter potential threats to national security.

In related regional developments, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan expressed a shift to an opportunity-focused approach toward Afghanistan during an extraordinary meeting of the Regional Contact Group in Astana.

Yerkin Tokumov, Kazakhstan’s special presidential representative for Afghanistan, said the country is moving away from viewing Afghanistan solely as a security concern, stressing the need to strengthen political, economic, trade and transit ties. He described Afghanistan as a strategic bridge between Central and South Asia.

Esmatullah Ergashev, Uzbekistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, noted that Central Asian countries plan to advance joint projects in Afghanistan and expand regional cooperation. The meeting included representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.