Afghanistan has had political, cultural, social, and economic relations with many countries, empires, and powers around the world for centuries, including its neighbors.
The history of Afghanistan’s official political relations with Europe dates back approximately 150 years, while its ties with Russia predate that. Moreover, its political relations with the Arab world are among the oldest, beginning with the advent of Islam.
Once a modern state was established in Afghanistan, it also began comprehensive interactions with the broader Islamic world.
During the reigns of Amir Abdul Rahman Khan, Amir Habibullah Khan, and Ghazi Amanullah Khan, documented evidence shows Afghanistan’s warm relations and exchanges with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey.
In the royal era, Afghanistan maintained close ties with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, but its political relations with Arab countries in the Middle East have expanded significantly; it has good relations with Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
In the foreign policy announced by former President Ashraf Ghani, the Arab and Islamic world held second and third positions, respectively, and he made frequent visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, seeking to attract their attention and investment to Afghanistan.
In this regard, we have interviewed Ahmad Sayer Daudzai, a former diplomat and ambassador in the United Arab Emirates, whose insights we would like to share.
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