More than three years after Riyadh withdrew its personnel after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the Afghan foreign ministry on Monday praised Saudi Arabia’s move to re-establish diplomatic ties in Kabul.
Zia Ahmad, a spokesman for the Afghan foreign ministry, said in a statement, “We are hopeful that the resumption of these activities will help to strengthen relations and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.”
“We can also address the issues faced by Afghans living in Saudi Arabia.”
On the social media site X, Riyadh announced its intention to reopen diplomatic relations in Kabul.
“It has been decided to resume the activities of the Kingdom’s mission in Kabul starting on December 22 due to the government’s desire to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people,” the statement read.
A request for comment regarding the extent of Saudi representation in Kabul was not immediately answered by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On August 15, 2021, Riyadh announced that it had removed its diplomats from the Afghan capital due to the “unstable situation” brought about by the Taliban’s comeback to power after the US withdrew from the nation.
Saudi Arabia said that it had restarted consular services in Afghanistan in November 2021. Through its KSRelief organisation, it also offers humanitarian relief around the nation.
No nation has yet to recognise the Taliban administration.
The first Taliban government took control in 1996 and was overthrown by the US invasion in 2001. Saudi Arabia was one of only three nations—the others being Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates—to acknowledge this government.
