IEA’s new ambassador to Moscow meets with embassy staff

Gul Hassan, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to Russia, formally assumed his diplomatic duties on Tuesday, during an introductory meeting with embassy staff in Moscow.

In the meeting, Hassan addressed the diplomats and employees of the Afghan Embassy, emphasizing his full commitment to carrying out his responsibilities with integrity and fostering close collaboration with all embassy personnel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomed Russia’s formal acceptance of Hassan, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations.

The Ministry expressed hope that this move would lead to expanded political, economic, and multilateral cooperation between Kabul and Moscow.

This appointment follows a broader trend of deepening engagement between the two nations, as Russia continues to develop its diplomatic and economic ties with Afghanistan, despite not formally recognizing the IEA as the legitimate government.

Hassan is the highest-ranking IEA diplomat to be stationed in Moscow since IEA returned to power in August 2021. Prior to this appointment, he served as the IEA’s consul in Quetta, Pakistan.

Last month, the IEA’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Russia had formally agreed to accept Hassan as ambassador.

That decision followed a meeting between Dmitry Zhirnov, Russia’s ambassador in Kabul, and acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which the letter of diplomatic accreditation was handed over.