Ambassador Khaled A. Zekriya MESSAGE

I am pleased and honored to welcome you to the Official Website of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Rome, Italy. I hope through this website, you will be able to find helpful information on political, economic, social, and cultural issues related to Afghanistan, our resident and non-resident bilateral relations, multilateral engagements with Rome Based Organizations as well as about important events being held by our Embassy in Rome.

This website largely focuses on the historical and strategic partnership that exists between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of Italy. Afghanistan’s historical relation with Italy draws its strength when Italy as the first western country, recognized Afghanistan’s independence in 1919 and it was followed by the signing of the Exchange of Permanent Diplomatic Mission in Rome on 3rd June 1921. Our strategic partnership with Italy consolidated itself by the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2012. After the fall of the Taliban regime, Italy became actively involved in the international reconstruction of Afghanistan, including through its participation to the NATO mission under a UN mandate, a mission that was called first “International Security Assistance” (ISAF) and then, as of 2015, “Resolute Support” (RS). Here, I would like to take this opportunity to honor the sacrifices of the brave Italian Armed forces and assure the people and government of Italy that their sacrifices both in blood and treasure, shall stay immortal in the minds and heart of the Afghans as well as in the history of Afghanistan.

At this critical juncture of our history, as Afghanistan embarks on gaining the support of the international community in the ongoing peace process with the Taliban and its desired End State (Safeguarding the last two decades’ accomplishments in Afghanistan, including the Republic and its democratic tenants, values, and human rights, especially women rights in Afghanistan), the continuation of Italy’s support in this endeavor is of utmost importance. Hence, our team in the embassy with the use of peace diplomacy (denouncing terrorism with all its forms and manifestations) along with commercial diplomacy (promoting trade, inward investment, tourism, and country image branding through supporting trade missions, establishing and facilitating contacts between business entities), and cultural diplomacy (introducing the rich antiquity, civilization, and culture of Afghanistan) are fully committed in achieving the goals and objectives in area of peace as well as Afghanistan’s self-reliance during the transformation decade.  

As Afghanistan’s representative at the Rome Based Organizations-FAO, WFP, IFA and IDLO-while we aim to actively participate in the work of RBA’s, we are dedicated to exploring new areas of cooperation.

The embassy is also keen in assuming a proactive role in promoting Afghanistan’s relations with Republics of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Malta, and San Marino to which this embassy is accredited on non-residential basis.

Another important duty for our team in this embassy is to provide accurate information and consular services to Afghans and encourage its Diaspora to actively participate in the development of Afghanistan. In this regard, I would like to request that all Afghans living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Malta, and San Marino to register with our Embassy through this website.

It is my sincere hope that through this website, everyone will be motivated to get engaged with Afghanistan.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions, ideas, and improvement suggestions. Your comments and advice are most welcome. You can also visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

I thank you very much for visiting our website.

With Great Enthusiasm,

Khaled A. Zekriya
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary