In a significant diplomatic development, Afghanistan’s Taliban government is eager to strengthen its relationship with Saudi Arabia following the Kingdom’s decision to reopen its embassy in Kabul, as announced by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
The Saudi Embassy, which had closed its doors in August 2021 amid the Taliban’s return to power and the withdrawal of US-led forces, is set to resume operations as of December 22, 2024. The embassy’s official statement on X emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving the Afghan people during this challenging period.
The Taliban welcomed this move, viewing it as a crucial step toward enhancing bilateral relations. Zakir Jalaly, director of the second political division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed optimism about the potential for cooperation. “The resumption of the Saudi Embassy’s activities in Kabul will strengthen and expand relations between our governments and peoples,” he stated.
Highlighting the historical significance of Afghan Saudi ties, Jalaly noted that Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries to recognize the Taliban during its initial rule, prior to the US invasion in 2001. He underscored the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key player on both regional and international stages, suggesting that the embassy’s reopening could pave the way for increased collaboration across various sectors.
Since November 2021, Saudi Arabia has continued to provide consular services and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Political science professor Naseer Ahmad Nawidy from Salam University remarked, “The reopening of the Saudi Embassy is a significant announcement for the Taliban government, which has faced international isolation.”
Nawidy further emphasized the benefits of diplomatic engagement, noting that it would assist the approximately 132,000 Afghans residing in Saudi Arabia and facilitate trade between the two nations. “This move will not only benefit Afghan traders but will also extend Saudi influence in the region,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Nawidy expressed hope that other Islamic nations would follow suit by reopening their diplomatic missions in Afghanistan, fostering an environment of cooperation that could alleviate some of the challenges faced by the Afghan population.
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