KUALA LUMPUR: Afghanistan is optimistic of a speedy economic recovery by next year.
Its ambassador to Malaysia Dr Moheb Rahman Spinghar told the New Straits Times he was confident his country would rebound following years of internal turmoil.
"Many friendly countries have come forward with offers of financial, humanitarian and medical assistance.
"Our primary schools have opened up fully, with even girls and women allowed to attend the many public schools and scores of private educational institutions," he said in an interview at his embassy in Jalan Mengkuang, off Jalan Ampang.
Among the countries that offered assistance include Malaysia, China, Russia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Pakistan, India, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Turkey.
"We are very grateful to Malaysia which has shown great moral support and humanitarian assistance with allocations for food and medical supplies through non-governmental organisations.
"The appointment of (Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's commissioner and Global Peace Mission Malaysia chairman) Ahmad Azam Abdul Rahman as Wisma Putra's special adviser on Afghanistan is very timely.
"India, too, has supplied us with thousands of tonnes of wheat.
"China is the biggest contributor with large supplies of medical, vaccines and food items," Moheb Rahman said.
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on Aug 15, following the full withdrawal of United States troops that had occupied the country since the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Moheb Rahman said that even international organisations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the World Health Organisation and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation were rendering assistance.
"There are many needs, however small it may be, for our 35 million population as the country is undergoing an economic recovery.
"We are hopeful that by January, Afghanistan will pick up steam towards fending for itself towards the reconstruction of our war-torn country," he said.
Asked on the current security climate in Afghanistan, Moheb Rahman said that there were attempts by certain terrorist organisations to destabilise the country but in vain.
"There were armed attack attempts at three mosques, a hospital and several crowded places but were quelled by the Taliban's security forces," he said.
As for his status as Afghanistan's ambassador following the change of regime, Moheb Rahman said it was status quo.
"Like many of our ambassadors and diplomatic staff in other countries, we will continue with our duties and consular services.
He expressed concern on the estimated 4,000 Afghan refugees in Malaysia who are registered with the UNHCR but not allowed to legally work.
"It is very trying for my countrymen and women here and elsewhere, in their bid to survive and look after their families.
"Hopefully, the situation will change for the better," said Moheb Rahman.
On another note, he said there were more than 700 Afghan students at public universities in Malaysia, with over 120 at private educational institutions, six professors teaching in varsities, and around 20 Afghan companies doing business here.