While relations between Kabul under Taliban rule and Riyadh continue to deteriorate, sources report the return of the Saudi ambassador to Kabul after one and a half years.
According to Tarz Press, the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this news, stating that Faisal bin Talaq Al-Baqmi, the Saudi ambassador, has met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's Foreign Minister. Hafiz Zia Ahmad, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a press release today, Thursday, July 11, that the Taliban are interested in expanding relations between Kabul and Riyadh. According to the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi ambassador also expressed optimism that relations between the two sides will develop. The ambassador also mentioned that Saudi Arabia will continue its humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Arab diplomats had left Afghanistan in early 2023 due to security concerns. Since then, this is the first time the presence of the Saudi ambassador in Kabul has been discussed by the Taliban. Although the Taliban have apparently welcomed the Saudi ambassador in Kabul, recent information indicates that the Taliban are deeply dissatisfied with the Saudi government for not yet recognizing their regime.
