Afghan Foreign Ministry welcomed the move of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia on renewing the diplomatic ties to Kabul.
Spokesman Zia Ahmad, quoted, said that the reinitiating the diplomatic relation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan is to further develop ties. He pointed out, it is a source of problems facing Afghans.
Saudi Arabia has declared its intention to re-open the embassy in Kabul on December 22 using the platform X.
Resumption of diplomatic and consular services would be part of Riyadh’s plan towards helping the Afghan people.
To date, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not clearly indicated the extent of the representation that would be required by the Kabul mission.
On August 15, 2021, Riyadh announced that it was pulling its diplomats out, saying the chaos unleashed by the Taliban’s return.
Saudi Arabia had expressed its concern over the shifting political and security dynamics in Afghanistan. It followed the United States’ withdrawal.
The country, however restored limited consular services in November 2021, continuing humanitarian aid through its KSRelief organization.
The Taliban government has not yet been recognized worldwide, and no country has officially accepted it since 2021.
Before this, in 1996, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia recognized the first Taliban government.
The international isolation of the Taliban had been for nearly 20 years since their regime was assaulted by a U.S.-led onslaught in 2001.
Reopening its embassy is considered a careful step by Riyadh towards renewed engagement with Afghanistan under the Taliban.
By observers, the step may be significant for humanitarian necessities and possible future cooperation to be espoused.
Saudi steps may inform how other states respond to the current Afghan regime.
