Kazakhstan to Host IEA Ambassador in Astana, Strengthen Diplomatic Ties

Kazakhstan has decided to welcome an ambassador from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to Astana in the near future and elevate its diplomatic mission in Kabul to the ambassadorial level, an Afghan official announced on Saturday.

The decision was conveyed by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister to his Afghan counterpart and is being viewed as a significant signal of renewed political engagement between the two countries, Zia Ahmad, Director of Public Communication of Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, said, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

Russia is the only country that has formally recognised the IEA government that seized power in August 2021 as U.S.-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have all designated ambassadors to Kabul, in a step towards recognition.