“We are optimistic that with the reopening of this embassy, relations between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia will strengthen, and issues concerning Afghans in Saudi Arabia will be addressed promptly, with adequate facilities provided,” said Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, Deputy Spokesman for the Afghan Foreign Ministry.
The Saudi Embassy announced its decision on Sunday via X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Given the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's desire to provide all services to the brotherly people of Afghanistan, it has been decided that the Kingdom's representation in Kabul will resume its activities starting December 22.”
This marks the full resumption of Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic presence in Kabul, after having provided limited consular services since November 2021.
Abdul Sadiq Hamidzoy, a political analyst, underscored the significance of this move. “Saudi Arabia currently maintains very close ties with the West and holds geographical significance. This step can influence other countries and encourage them to take similar actions,” he remarked.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, highlighted the growing diplomatic outreach of Afghanistan. “Afghanistan has representation and diplomatic centers in over twenty locations that manage consular activities, and this process is expanding,” he noted.
Following the fall of Afghanistan’s republican government on August 15, 2021, many nations closed their embassies and ceased official diplomatic activities in Kabul. Saudi Arabia was among the countries that reduced its presence, though it maintained limited consular operations through a 14-member team dispatched in late 2021.
However, by 2022, security concerns led Saudi diplomats to leave Afghanistan and relocate to Pakistan, according to reports from Reuters.
The reopening of the Saudi Embassy signals a positive shift in Afghanistan’s diplomatic relations, with hopes that this decision will pave the way for broader international engagement. Afghan officials remain optimistic that improved ties with Saudi Arabia will enhance cooperation and address challenges faced by Afghans living abroad. (ILKHA)