Afghanistan welcomes resumption of Saudi diplomatic mission services

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Afghanistan on Monday welcomed the resumption of operations of Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic mission in Kabul, terming it an opportunity for strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries.

“We are optimistic about the possibility of strengthening relations and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan through the resumption of these activities,” said Zia Ahmad, Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman in the interim Taliban administration, in a statement.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry, in a statement, announced that it is resuming its diplomatic mission in Kabul from Dec. 22.

"Based on the keenness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people, it has been decided to resume its diplomatic activities in Kabul from Dec. 22," the statement said.

Riyadh withdrew its diplomats from Afghanistan following the withdrawal of the US-led forces and return to power in Kabul by the Taliban in Aug. 2021.

In Nov. 2021, Saudi Arabia, however, resumed its consular services in Afghanistan, where the Saudi Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KS Relief) is providing humanitarian aid.

The interim Taliban administration is currently not recognized by any country.

Saudi Arabia was among the only three countries, along with Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, that recognized the first Taliban government which came to power in 1996 and was overthrown by the US invasion of 2001.