With this new act, the Saudi government, which has not been operating since 2021 in Afghanistan, has reopened its embassy in Kabul, demonstrating that it has taken a major step in engaging with Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of it in 2021. The Saudi government, claiming to come to Afghanistan to establish an embassy, carefully examines the security situation in the country and constructs its relations with Afghanistan based on that point. This in turn allows them to provide humanitarian aid as well as develop relations between the two nations.
After the return of the Taliban to power, the Saudi Arabian government announced that due to the unstable environment, it would shut its embassy in Kabul. However, there has been a substantial increase in relative stability as well as discussions on the diplomatic level that have started. These are signs of determination to restore the relations that existed until 2021.
The Saudi government, along with its embassy’s reopening, stated that they are willing to support the people of Afghanistan in any way possible that includes reintegration and rehabilitation support. This is a clear indication of how countries are slowly but progressively engaging with Afghanistan once again with the aim of restoring peace in the country. Saudi Arabia’s decision to open relations with Afghanistan appears in August. Saudi Bradeh undertakes reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and is willing to find avenues for investment in the Indian subcontinent. An Afghan official has termed Saudi Arabia’s decision as crucial for the Afghan government to normalize frosty relations, which has been pending for decades.
This kind of diplomatic gesture by Saudi Arabia is of great significance vis-à-vis Afghanistan and will not only benefit Afghanistan but also help in promoting stability within the region. The key interest that this decision underscores is the strong desire of Saudi Arabia to assist in the stabilization of the region: Afghanistan’s return of civil order and sovereignty. The Israeli embassy in Saudi Arabia can serve as an example for other countries wishing to restore diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.
