Saudi Arabia announces resumption of embassy operations in Kabul 

 

FILE – People pray at an open air makeshift mosque in front of a giant Saudi Flag in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, June 21, 2017. Saudi Arabia announced on Dec. 22, 2024, the resumption of operations of its diplomatic mission in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Riyadh , Saudi Arabia —

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday the resumption of operations of its diplomatic mission in the Afghan capital, Kabul, more than three years after withdrawing its diplomats from the country amid the chaos that accompanied the Taliban\’s rise to power.

"Based on the keenness of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people, it has been decided to resume the activities of the Kingdom\’s mission in Kabul as of December 22, 2024," the Saudi embassy in Kabul said on X.

The Saudi foreign ministry did not immediately respond to AFP\’s questions about the level of Saudi representation in Kabul.

Saudi Arabia announced on August 15, 2021 that it had withdrawn its diplomats from Kabul due to the "unstable situation" following the Taliban\’s return to power following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In November 2021, Saudi Arabia announced the resumption of consular services in Afghanistan, where the Saudi Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) is providing humanitarian aid.

The Taliban government is not recognized by any country.

Saudi Arabia is one of three countries, along with the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, to recognize the former Taliban government, which was overthrown in the U.S. invasion in 2001.

 

By：VOA