Embassy of Afghanistan, Canberra

The Embassy of Afghanistan in Canberra is the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's diplomatic mission to the Commonwealth of Australia.[1] It is also accredited to New Zealand and Fiji.[2] It is located in the suburb of Deakin, at 4 Beale Crescent.[3][4] The current Afghan Ambassador to Australia, serving since 2017, is Wahidullah Waissi.[3][1]

Chancery of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Ambassador Waissi submitting his letter of credentials to Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove on 1 March 2017

History

Before the establishment of the post-Taliban Islamic Republic, Afghanistan had no permanent resident diplomatic mission in Australia. The precursor to the current Embassy opened in 2002, out of rented premises in Deakin.[5] Then Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal endeavoured to establish a permanent base for Afghanistan's diplomatic operations in Australia. The current building that houses the Embassy was opened on 18 August 2005, by visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Abdullah and Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.[5] The Embassy has been conducted many activities, such as promoting Afghan culture, notably through the Afghan Film Festival, celebrations regarding the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations such as organising the Australian tour of the Zohra Orchestra, inaugurating the Afghanistan-Australian People to People Dialogue and fostering closer political and economic ties between Afghanistan and Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.[5] They have also been active in promoting the history of Afghans in Australia, going back to Afghan Cameleers in the 19th century.

Afghanistan-Australia People to People Dialogue

The Afghanistan-Australia People to People Dialogue is a cross-cultural platform designed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries in the realms of culture, politics, trade and strategy. It was launched in 2017 by the embassy. The first dialogue comprised delegations from Afghanistan, the Australian government, think tanks, academia, students, activists, Afghan Australians, journalists and representatives from civil society and private business.[6] There was a second dialogue in 2019. Its main theme was women’s empowerment and the Afghan delegation comprised nine Afghan women from a range of professional backgrounds. [7] The dialogue also focussed on the role of women in the Afghan peace process and the danger that the Taliban poses to women’s rights in Afghanistan.[8]

List of Ambassadors

Main Article: List of Afghan Ambassadors to Australia

  • 2007-2011: Amanullah Jayhoon
  • 2011-2015: Nasir Andisha

See also
  • List of Afghan Ambassadors to Australia

References
  1. Trade, corporateName= Department of Foreign Affairs and. "The Department - About us - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade". protocol.dfat.gov.au. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  2. Trade, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and. "Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan". New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  3. "HOME - EMBASSY OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN - CANBERRA - AUSTRALIA". www.canberra.mfa.af. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  4. "Embassy of Islamic State of Afghanistan". VisitCanberra. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  5. "Australia-Afghanistan relations: Reflections on a half-century". www.aspi.org.au. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  6. Canberra, Afghan Embassy-. "Launch of the Australia-Afghanistan Dialogue - EMBASSY OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN CANBERRA - AUSTRALIA". www.canberra.mfa.af. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
  7. Canberra, Afghan Embassy-. "The 2nd AusAfghan People to People Dialogue Concluded in Melbourne - EMBASSY OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN CANBERRA - AUSTRALIA". www.canberra.mfa.af. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
  8. "Taliban peace talks: 'Don't make us victims' says Afghan women delegation". SBS Your Language. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
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