AFGHANISTAN EMBASSY REOPENS IN OMAN AS TALIBAN STRENGTHENS REGIONAL TIES

Wed 18 September 2024:

Afghanistan’s embassy in Muscat, Oman, has reopened under Taliban control, according to an official in Kabul. The move marks another step in the Taliban’s growing diplomatic presence in the Gulf region, following the UAE’s acceptance of a Taliban ambassador last month.

Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, confirmed the embassy resumed operations on Sunday, though Omani authorities have yet to comment.

“The work of the embassy is carried out regularly by diplomats of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” said Takal.

“The resumption of embassy activities in cooperation with the host country will play a constructive role in strengthening the political, economic, social and religious relations between Kabul and Muscat,” he added.

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The move comes as the Taliban continue to take control of Afghan embassies worldwide, despite not being officially recognised by most states. The Taliban have assumed control of 39 diplomatic missions globally, though embassies in London and Oslo recently closed.

Afghan outlet TOLOnews quoted political analyst Salim Paigir as saying: “Oman is one of the countries close to the West. This country can play a major and fundamental role in improving relations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Western countries, especially the United States.”

While major regional powers like China, Iran and Russia, have not yet acknowledged the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, they have been steadily courting the de-facto government. Last month, Uzbekistan’s prime minister visited Kabul in the highest-level foreign delegation to meet with the Taliban since they took power in 2021.

International recognition remains a key issue and the lack of official status has strained Afghanistan’s economy, with many countries and global organisations citing human rights concerns and the Taliban’s governance as barriers to formal diplomatic relations.

-MEMO

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