After London, now the Afghan embassy in Norway is also closing. The reason behind the closure of Afghan embassies in Western countries is the order of the Taliban a month ago. The interim government of Afghanistan had said that they no longer recognize the diplomatic missions established by the former, Western-backed government. In their place, embassies of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will be established in countries that recognize us. In a statement on the social media platform X, the Norwegian embassy announced that by September 12, the embassy would be closed and handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Afghan Embassy in Norway said in a statement, “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will continue its activities, like many other political and consular missions of Afghanistan.” The embassy premises will be handed over to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry. Earlier on Monday, the closure of the Afghan Embassy in London was also announced. The British Foreign Office said, “The embassy is being closed after the Taliban dismissed its staff.” Britain does not recognize the Taliban government.
London will be locked down on 27 September and Norway on 12 September
The British government said on Monday that the London embassy would close on September 27 after Taliban officials in Kabul dismissed its staff. Britain does not recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Now the Afghan embassy in Norway will be locked by next Thursday. After this it will be handed over to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry.
It is worth noting that after taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban formed a new government across the country within a few months. After the Taliban government came into existence, the crisis on Afghan embassies in other countries deepened. To close the Afghan embassies, a few months ago, the Taliban government had decided that they were going to close the Afghan diplomatic missions and establish the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Embassy.
The Taliban have sent ambassadors or diplomats to several countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates.