The Taliban have reopened Afghanistan’s embassy in Oslo, although Norway continues to deny them the right to appoint an ambassador. Daily operations will instead be overseen by Najibullah Sherkhan, who has been named First Secretary.
The reopening of the Afghan embassy took place on March 24, following an announcement by the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this month. Sherkhan officially assumed his role after Norway’s Foreign Ministry accepted his appointment on January 31. However, details regarding Sherkhan’s background or his ties with the Taliban remain unclear.
Diplomatic relations remain downgraded
Despite the embassy’s reopening, Norway maintains its position of not recognizing the Taliban regime, primarily citing ongoing human rights concerns in Afghanistan.
In December, Norway downgraded diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, a stance confirmed again by Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The reopening does not signal any improvement in diplomatic ties.
“The reopening of the embassy does not mean that Norway is improving diplomatic relations with the Taliban regime,” emphasized Mariken Bruusgaard Harbitz, communication advisor for the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We do not accept an Afghan ambassador in Norway due to the human rights situation in the country. This remains one of our strongest diplomatic tools.”
Taliban’s visit to Oslo
Previously, Taliban representatives visited Oslo from January 23 to 25, 2022, engaging in talks with Norwegian officials, international community representatives, and Afghan civil society members. These discussions underscored Norway’s cautious approach towards engagement with Afghanistan’s new authorities.
Norway’s decision aligns with broader international practices, where diplomatic recognition and engagement remain contingent on significant improvements in human rights and governance by the Taliban.
