KABUL, Afghanistan. August 26/TOLONEWS/ — Abdul Ghafar Tirawi has been appointed as the new Afghan ambassador to Uzbekistan, reports Fergana, citing sources from Tolonews. The appointment marks a significant diplomatic move as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan continues to solidify its presence on the international stage.
“Over the past three years, the Islamic Emirate has established itself as a stable and strong regime, and day by day, the region and the whole world are realizing this truth,” said Zakir Jalali, Director of the Third Political Department at the Afghan Foreign Ministry. Jalali confirmed that Tirawi, an ethnic Uzbek, will soon assume his duties in Tashkent.
Before this appointment, Tirawi served as the Director of the Research Department at the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. He will replace Mugfurullah Shahab, who was appointed as the ambassador to Uzbekistan in February this year. Shahab, the son of Afghanistan’s Minister of Mining and Petroleum, Maulavi Shahabuddin Delawara, faced allegations of nepotism following his appointment, contrary to directives from Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada.
The appointment of the new ambassador was announced during a visit to Afghanistan by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov last week. The visit, coinciding with the 105th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence on August 18, resulted in the signing of 35 investment and trade agreements worth $2.5 billion.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, their government remains unrecognized by any country globally. Afghan embassies worldwide have largely refused to cooperate with the new regime. The international community continues to demand a coalition government in Afghanistan, inclusive of various ethnic and political groups, as well as women.
Despite this, the Taliban have consistently expressed their willingness to engage with the international community. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki noted in March 2023 that efforts are underway to reopen embassies in Kabul, signaling potential recognition of the Islamic Emirate. Embassies of neighboring countries like China, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Pakistan, along with several others, are already operational in Kabul.
In a notable development, China appointed a new ambassador to Afghanistan in September 2023, becoming the first country to do so officially since the Taliban’s return to power.
