Kabul welcomes Saudi Arabia's decision to resume embassy activities in Afghanistan

Kabul's foreign ministry welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision to resume diplomatic operations in Afghanistan, over three years after Riyadh withdrew its staff during the Taliban takeover. The Saudi embassy in Kabul resumed activities on December 22. The Afghan foreign ministry expressed optimism about strengthening relations and addressing issues faced by Afghans in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia had previously withdrawn its diplomats in August 2021 due to instability after the Taliban's return to power. In November 2021, Saudi Arabia announced it would resume consular services in Afghanistan and has provided humanitarian aid through its KSRelief organization. The Taliban government remains unrecognized by any country.