Dr. Zalmai Rassoul, a seasoned diplomat with a wealth of experience in international affairs, currently finds himself in a unique position as the ambassador of Afghanistan’s former government in the United Kingdom.
Kabul 24: Despite the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, Rassoul remains at his post in London, representing the Afghan people in the absence of a recognized government.
Rassoul’s Diplomatic Career
Served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013, playing a key role in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional cooperation
Worked as the National Security Advisor of Afghanistan from 2002 to 2010, contributing to the establishment of the Afghan security institutions
Ran unsuccessfully for the Afghan presidency in 2014
Challenges Faced as Ambassador
Rassoul is one of the few remaining ambassadors from the former Afghan government, with around 20 embassies in Europe still run by Republic-era diplomats
The Islamic Emirate’s foreign ministry has announced that they will no longer approve paperwork processed by embassies not complying with the ministry, but Rassoul remains committed to serving the Afghan people in the UK
He continues to attend some receptions, but many countries have dropped him from their lists, and he faces reduced salaries for his staff
Support from the UK Government
The UK government has assured Rassoul that he will remain as ambassador, but no one from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has visited him yet
Rassoul is “stuck” at the embassy, unsure of who to leave it to, as he desires to be free but recognizes the importance of maintaining a presence for the 250,000 Afghans living in the UK
Despite the challenges and uncertainty surrounding his position, Zalmai Rassoul continues to serve as a symbol of Afghanistan’s ongoing struggle for recognition and self-determination, working alongside other Republic-era diplomats to develop a plan for the country’s future.
