Afghan foreign minister calls on US to reopen Kabul embassy

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has called on the United States to reopen its embassy in Kabul, telling the New York Times that the war era has ended and a new chapter based on mutual respect should begin between the two countries. Muttaqi said Washington could resume a diplomatic presence and pursue investment in Afghanistan. The United States withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, ending a two-decade military presence. Following the withdrawal, the Taliban seized control of Kabul in August 2021 and established a new government. Speaking to the New York Times, Muttaqi framed the appeal as part of efforts to normalize international diplomatic relations under the Taliban administration. The foreign minister did not provide a timeline for a potential embassy reopening. No immediate response from the US State Department was reported.