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Afghanistan’s new ambassador to Moscow assumes position
An official at the Afghan Embassy in Moscow confirmed his arrival to AFP, stating that Hassan “was due to arrive today.”
A senior diplomat appointed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) formally assumed his role as Afghanistan’s ambassador to Russia on Tuesday, marking the first time an IEA-designated envoy has occupied the post in Moscow since regaining power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Russian state media reported that Gul Hassan, a former Afghan consul in Pakistan, arrived in the Russian capital earlier in the day and is expected to immediately commence his duties.
An official at the Afghan Embassy in Moscow confirmed his arrival to AFP, stating that Hassan “was due to arrive today.”
This development signals a new phase in diplomatic engagement between Moscow and the IEA, which regained control of Kabul in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces and the collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government.
Since then, Russia has gradually expanded its political and economic ties with the authorities in Kabul.
Although no country, including Russia, has formally recognized the IEA as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, several nations—including China, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia—have accepted diplomats appointed by the group to serve in ambassadorial or diplomatic roles.
In 2022, Russia accepted an IEA-appointed chargé d’affaires, and in April 2025, Moscow removed the group from its official list of terrorist organizations. That same month, IEA representatives were invited to participate in official Russian events, reflecting a steady normalization of relations.
Russia has also been proactive in expanding economic cooperation. It was the first country to open a business representation office in Kabul after the IEA takeover and has announced plans to use Afghanistan as a transit corridor for energy exports to Southeast Asia.
In July 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the IEA as “allies in the fight against terrorism,” further underscoring Moscow’s pragmatic approach to engaging with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers.
While formal recognition appears to be off the table for now, the appointment of an ambassador-level envoy is viewed as a significant diplomatic step, both symbolically and practically, in the evolving relationship between the two countries.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said on Monday that Pakistani military regime carried out fresh attacks targeting civilian areas in Dangam district of Kunar Province.
According to Fitrat, the strikes hit residential homes as well as public facilities, including schools, health centers, and mosques.
He reported that at least three civilians were killed, while 14 others—most of them women and children—were wounded.
Fitrat added that the attacks caused damage to civilian infrastructure, destroying two schools (one for girls and one for boys), a health center, and two mosques. He also said that approximately 80 livestock were killed.
Latest News
Ambassador Ugolini reaffirms Italy’s humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan
Speaking at the meeting, Ugolini confirmed Italy’s continued role as a donor country, with a focus on addressing basic needs and supporting livelihoods across Afghanistan.
Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian support in Afghanistan during a high-level coordination meeting in Istanbul.
Ambassador Sabrina Ugolini represented Italy at the Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting, co-organised by the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank.
Speaking at the meeting, Ugolini confirmed Italy’s continued role as a donor country, with a focus on addressing basic needs and supporting livelihoods across Afghanistan.
She highlighted the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s renewed priorities, including the empowerment of women, education, refugee support, healthcare, and demining efforts.
Together with Francesco Zatta, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) office in Islamabad, the ambassador also underscored the importance of preserving Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. They noted that safeguarding heritage sites can contribute to job creation and economic growth, forming part of Italy’s broader principles-based approach to development assistance.
Latest News
Leadership reshuffle announced across Afghanistan’s admin and security sectors
Officials say the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to streamline governance, improve coordination between institutions, and strengthen security management across the country.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has announced a wide-ranging set of leadership appointments following a decree from the IEA’s senior leadership.
Under the changes, Abdul Ahad Fazli, former governor of Faryab, has been appointed Minister of Communications and Information Technology. Mohammad Hanif Hamza will take over as governor of Faryab, while Abdulrahman Haqqani has been named governor of Khost and Abdullah Mukhtar as governor of Baghlan.
Further appointments include Mohammad Wali Jan as governor of Badghis and Makhdum Abdul Salam Saadat as Deputy Minister for Coordination of Islamic Affairs at the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs.
In the security sector, Abdul Qayum Hilal has been appointed police chief of Baghlan, Abdul Haq as police chief of Maidan Wardak, Mohammad Omar Mukhlis as police chief of Nimroz, and Faridullah Qiyam as police chief of Logar.
At the provincial deputy level, Enamullah Salahuddin (Logar), Mohammad Anwar (Paktia), Abdul Zahir Mudassir (Maidan Wardak), Mohammad Nabi Hamas (Baghlan), Rahimullah Mahmood (Helmand), and Mohammad Gul Khaybar (Farah) have been appointed. Qazi Noorullah has been named deputy governor of Paktika.
In additional postings, Mohammad Humayun Jahadyar has been assigned as commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the 203rd Mansouri Corps, while Agha Wali Hanafi will oversee detention facilities within the General Directorate of Prisons.
Officials say the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to streamline governance, improve coordination between institutions, and strengthen security management across the country.
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