In a statement issued to mark the 37th anniversary of the defeat and withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) described the occasion as a proud and historic day for the nation and a moment of gratitude to Allah.

The statement noted that the 26th of Dalwa commemorates the end of the former Soviet Union military presence in Afghanistan, calling it a significant victory achieved through years of jihad, struggle, sacrifice, migration, and hardship endured by the Afghan people.

According to the Islamic Emirate, these sacrifices enabled Afghans, with divine support, to defeat a major global power and force it to withdraw from their homeland. The statement added that Afghanistan’s liberation from occupation for the third time in more than a century demonstrates the firm resolve and commitment of the Afghan people to defend their faith, independence, and sovereignty.

The declaration also urged foreign powers to learn from the repeated failures of past invasions over the last hundred years and to refrain from taking steps against the freedom and independence of the Afghan nation in the future.

The Islamic Emirate emphasized that Afghans must remain vigilant against conspiracies and threats, uphold Islamic unity, and continue following the path of their forefathers to safeguard their religion, beliefs, and national independence.

The statement concluded by congratulating Afghans on the anniversary and reaffirming commitment to unity, resilience, and independence.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan with a video message, describing it as a sacred period of reflection, prayer, hope, and peace for Muslims around the world.

In his remarks, Guterres said Ramadan represents a noble vision rooted in compassion, solidarity, and unity. However, he noted that for millions across the globe, this vision remains distant due to ongoing conflict, hunger, displacement, and discrimination. He specifically referenced the suffering of people in Afghanistan, Yemen, Gaza, Sudan, and other crisis-affected regions.

The UN chief urged the international community to uphold the enduring message of Ramadan by bridging divisions, extending help and hope to those in need, and protecting the rights and dignity of every individual.

Guterres also highlighted his long-standing tradition of visiting Muslim communities during Ramadan and joining them in fasting, saying the month’s spirit of peace and compassion continues to inspire him each year.

He concluded by expressing hope that Ramadan would motivate people worldwide to work together toward building a more peaceful, generous, and just world for all, ending his message with the greeting, “Ramadan Kareem.”

Japan continues direct communications with Islamic Emirate officials through its Kabul embassy, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Kenichi Masamoto, Japanese Ambassador to Kabul, told Ariana News in an exclusive interview.

Masamoto noted that no final decision has yet been made regarding the future of Afghanistan’s embassy in Tokyo.

“At present, there are no official diplomatic relations, and certain restrictions exist,” he said. “However, we are working to find appropriate channels for dialogue and engagement. The Afghan Embassy in Tokyo had been managed by diplomats of the former government appointed under the previous Republic. Following discussions with Japanese authorities, it was agreed that the embassy would close at the end of January, and this has now been completed. No final decisions have been made regarding future arrangements.”

The ambassador emphasized that progress in the Doha process could help end Afghanistan’s isolation and open the door to broader international engagement with the Islamic Emirate. “As a member of the international community, this process will also create more opportunities for Japan to engage with Afghanistan,” he said.

Masamoto stressed the international community’s concern over the ongoing suspension of secondary and higher education for girls, noting that Japan shares this concern. “Girls’ education is critical for Afghanistan’s future. This is not only the position of the international community—it is also in the best interest of Afghanistan’s future. The international community wants this suspension to end as soon as possible,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Japan will continue to support the Afghan people, focusing on humanitarian aid and the provision of basic needs through the United Nations. The ambassador highlighted that Tokyo has stood by the Afghan people during difficult times and will continue to do so.

The Afghan Embassy in Japan officially closed at the end of January 2026.