Afghanistan–Saudi Arabia relations

Afghanistan–Saudi Arabia relations
Map indicating locations of Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia

Afghanistan
Saudi Arabia
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Afghanistan, RiyadhEmbassy of Saudi Arabia, Kabul

Saudi Arabia has historically exerted a strong influence on Afghanistan and was one of the major providers of funds to the Afghan mujahideen who were fighting against the Soviets and their allies the DRA. Saudi Arabia was also the second of only three countries to recognize the first Taliban government, extending official recognition on 26 May 1997, one day after Pakistan and shortly before the United Arab Emirates.[1] After the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia was one of the major helpers in the Afghan reconstruction. For example, the main highway project was funded mainly by the United States and Saudi Arabia. The Grand Mosque of Kabul in Afghanistan was also financed by Saudi Arabia.

The Saudis started perceiving a growing Iranian encroachment in Afghanistan c. 2013. They saw the Iranian Revolutionary Guards supporting Shias, but also one of several Afghan branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, Jamaat-e-Islami, and trying to coopt Taliban leaders and groups, and decided to become more active to counter that.[2]

In August 2021, Saudi Arabia evacuated all of its diplomats from its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban overtook the country in a swift sweep. Although Saudi Arabia does not recognize the re-established Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan like the rest of the world, the Saudi embassy re-opened on 30 November 2021 to provide consular services to Afghan citizens.[3] On February 5, 2023, the Saudi Arabian embassy in Kabul was evacuated following reports that explosive-laden vehicles had managed to infiltrate Kabul's Green Zone, where the embassy is located.[4] It was also revealed that the terrorist group ISIL had intended to attack the Saudi Arabian embassy during this incident.[5]

Embassies and consulates

  • Afghanistan has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate-general in Jeddah.
  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Kabul.

External links

  • Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Riyadh

References

  1. ^ Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Saudi Arabia: Information on whether the government officially recognizes the Taliban government in Afghanistan, and if so, the date recognition was extended; and whether the government of Saudi Arabia provides the Taliban government with any kind of support, 1 March 1998, SAU28966.E, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/3ae6ab2c60.html [accessed 13 December 2010]
  2. ^ "The Islamic State in Khorasan | Hurst Publishers". HURST. p. 38. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  3. ^ Lilian Wagdy (1 December 2021). "Saudi opens consular section of Kabul embassy as of Tuesday - state news agency". Reuters.
  4. ^ "Turkiye, UAE to reduce missions in Afghanistan over 'security concerns'". Middle East Monitor. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  5. ^ "Turkey, UAE to Reduce Missions in Afghanistan Over 'Security Concerns'". Khaama.
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