Normalization of Taliban-Saudi Relations; New Ambassador on His Way to Kabul

The relationship between the Taliban and Saudi Arabia, after prolonged tensions, is moving towards normalization. The new Saudi ambassador is expected to arrive in Kabul in the coming days to begin his duties.

Following the normalization of relations between the Taliban and Saudi Arabia, the new Saudi ambassador will soon be stationed in Kabul.

A source from the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Taliban are prepared to welcome the new Saudi ambassador in Kabul. According to him, the ambassador will officially begin his diplomatic activities within the next ten days. This step is expected to deepen and normalize relations between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia has been dissatisfied with the Taliban’s rule over Afghanistan and has refrained from recognizing their government. Saudi leaders have not been pleased with Mullah Hibatullah, and relations between the two sides have been lukewarm over the past three and a half years.

One point of contention was the Taliban’s decision to maintain their official office in Doha instead of Jeddah during negotiations with the U.S., which upset Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Taliban’s independent announcements of religious occasions, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, demonstrated a degree of autonomy from Saudi governance.

However, after secret visits by some Taliban officials, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, Mawlawi Wasiq, and Mullah Yaqoob to Saudi Arabia, as well as developments in the Middle East, Taliban-Saudi relations have warmed.

Analysts believe the resumption of ties is part of a grand strategy for the region’s future. Experts say the new U.S. administration, in collaboration with Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, aims to strengthen moderate Taliban factions and opponents of Mullah Hibatullah to align them with regional policies against certain nations.

Reports indicate that the situation in Afghanistan and the region will grow increasingly complex in the future.