The Afghan embassy in London was officially closed on Friday after the Taliban government severed ties with diplomatic missions established by the previous regime and dismissed the UK-based staff.
A notice posted on the embassy gate read, “The embassy of the Republic of Afghanistan is closed,” while the national flag continued to fly outside the premises. An AFP reporter confirmed that no one answered the door.
Earlier this month, Afghan Ambassador to the UK Zalmai Rassoul announced that the embassy would shut down on September 27, allegedly at the “official request of the host country.”
However, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) refuted the claim, with a spokesperson stating, “This decision was not made by the UK government.” The spokesperson explained that the closure was initiated by Afghanistan’s current authorities, who also dismissed the embassy’s staff.
Despite the closure, the FCDO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Afghan people through humanitarian aid. There is no indication yet whether a new Afghan ambassador will be accredited in London, as the UK does not formally recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
The Afghan embassy’s consular services in London had already ceased operations on September 20, according to its website. Currently, the UK’s diplomatic mission to Afghanistan operates from Doha, Qatar.