Afghanistan Peace CampaignFormer diplomats say appointing non-resident ambassadors allows countries to maintain diplomatic relations without reopening their embassies in Kabul.
Following the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, several countries, including Belarus, Nicaragua and Norway, have appointed non-resident ambassadors to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United States and Spain have based their embassies in Doha, while some European countries continue to address Afghanistan-related issues through special representatives.
Former diplomats say appointing non-resident ambassadors allows countries to maintain diplomatic relations without reopening their embassies in Kabul, engage in dialogue with Islamic Emirate officials, and follow up on political, economic and security issues. However, this move does not constitute formal recognition of the Islamic Emirate.
Aziz Maarij, a former diplomat, said: “Under international conventions, an exception was established for non-resident ambassadors in extraordinary circumstances, such as crises, wars, strained relations or the absence of formal recognition. However, whether an ambassador is resident or non-resident makes no difference, as countries still maintain their diplomatic relations through this mechanism.”
Analysts say this approach, on the one hand, helps maintain Afghanistan’s channels of communication with the international community. On the other hand, the absence of functioning embassies could limit direct engagement and bilateral cooperation.
Former diplomats emphasize that, to encourage countries to reopen their embassies in Kabul, the Islamic Emirate must address their political and security concerns and take practical steps on issues such as the rights of women and girls and engagement with the international community.
Ghaus Janbaz, a former diplomat, said: “Afghanistan is effectively isolated from the world’s major political, economic, security and social agendas. Countries view Afghanistan primarily through a security and intelligence lens.”
Russia is the only country that has formally recognized the Islamic Emirate. At least five foreign ambassadors from China, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Belarus have also presented their credentials or copies of their credentials to senior Islamic Emirate officials.