Saudi Arabia has announced the resumption of its diplomatic activities in Kabul, marking a significant shift in its engagement with Afghanistan. This decision comes more than three years after Riyadh withdrew its diplomats following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.
Resumption of Diplomatic Operations
On December 22, 2024, the Saudi embassy in Kabul resumed its operations, as confirmed by a statement on the social media platform X. The embassy expressed its commitment to providing services to the Afghan people, stating, “Based on the desire 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 mission of the Kingdom in Kabul starting on December 22.”
The Afghan foreign ministry welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision, expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral relations. A spokesperson for the ministry noted, “We are optimistic about the possibility of strengthening relations and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan through the resumption of these activities.”
Historical Context of Saudi’s ties with Kabul
Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Afghanistan dates back to 1932, when it became the first Islamic country to provide aid to Afghanistan. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has initiated numerous projects in Afghanistan through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), focusing on areas such as health, education, water, food security, and aid relief.
Implications
The resumption of diplomatic activities signifies a potential shift in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan. While the level of diplomatic representation in Kabul has not been specified, this move could pave the way for enhanced cooperation and support for the Afghan people. It also reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian assistance in the region.
This development underscores the evolving dynamics in Afghanistan’s international relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
