Azerbaijan’s first modern-era ambassador to Afghanistan, Ilham Mammadov, has arrived in Kabul and held talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the head of the Taliban government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about the possibility of opening an Azerbaijani embassy in the Afghan capital. The discussion was confirmed by Abdul Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via the social platform X. He noted that the ambassador presented an official letter from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the opening of channels for diplomatic presence in Kabul. Balkhi conveyed that Azerbaijan intends to establish an embassy in Kabul, signaling a strategic step in bilateral relations between the two countries and a broader effort to normalise diplomatic ties in a challenging regional environment. [Cited from: Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement via X, attributed to Abdul Balkhi]
During the meeting, Mammadov reportedly conveyed Azerbaijan’s official interest in expanding its diplomatic footprint in Afghanistan by establishing a resident mission in Kabul. The discourse with Muttaqi touched on practical arrangements, security considerations, and the legal frameworks required to manage a diplomatic posting in the Afghan capital. The assertion that Azerbaijan is pursuing an embassy illustrates a continued commitment to sustain liaison with Afghanistan despite ongoing political uncertainty in the country. [Cited from: Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, official correspondence summarized by international observers, attribution: Azerbaijani foreign affairs authorities]
In a broader regional context, the events highlight how post-2021 developments have shaped foreign policy choices among neighbouring powers in Central and South Asia. Analysts often note that Kabul’s evolving governance structures influence regional diplomacy, trade potential, and people-to-people contacts. The potential establishment of a formal Azerbaijani mission in Kabul would create a direct conduit for dialogue, consular services, and collaboration on regional issues such as security cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic development initiatives. [Cited from: regional policy analyses and statements by foreign affairs ministries, attribution: regional experts and official sources]
Historical notes provide context for this moment. In August 2021, Azerbaijan announced the withdrawal of its peacekeeping personnel from Afghanistan, aligning with broader international timelines and the changes in the Afghan security landscape. The decision reflected Azerbaijan’s assessment of the evolving balance of governance in Afghanistan and the country’s strategic priorities in the region. This historical reference helps readers understand the continuity or shift in Azerbaijan’s diplomatic posture toward Afghanistan in the new era. [Cited from: Azerbaijani government announcements and analyses by regional security observers, attribution: official records]
Observers have previously drawn comparisons between Western policies toward Afghanistan and Ukraine, highlighting how international responses to security, sovereignty, and stabilisation efforts influence bilateral diplomacy in South and Central Asia. The Azerbaijani dialogue with Afghan authorities occurs within this broader discussion about balancing diplomatic engagement with regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and the protection of nationals and interests connected to Azerbaijan. [Cited from: policy analyses and public statements by national officials, attribution: policy scholars and official communications]