Afghan Embassy in Turkey Shuts Down Permanently

The Afghan Embassy in Turkey has officially closed following a decision by Turkish authorities. 

The closure marks the end of the embassy’s operations after more than three years under the same diplomatic staff, despite the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.

The embassy attributed the shutdown to a ruling by the host country. Since the Taliban assumed power, efforts to take control of the embassy were unsuccessful.

Afghan diplomats and staff reportedly faced continuous pressure, along with pressure exerted on the Turkish government, leading to the decision to terminate their diplomatic mission.

Despite the announcement, the embassy continued operating throughout the day. Turkish authorities and Afghan diplomats declined to comment on the closure.

A security official at the embassy stated that the mission was shutting down due to noncompliance with the Taliban’s governance.

The embassy also cited the absence of a legitimate government representing the Afghan people as a key reason for ending its mission. It expressed gratitude to Turkey for its support over the past few years.

While the Afghan Embassy in Ankara is now closed, Turkey continues to maintain its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan.

The Turkish Embassy in Kabul remains open, along with consulates in Mazar-i-Sharif in the north and Herat in the west.