Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi has called for measures to resolve a diplomatic dispute with Japan and restore the operations of Afghanistan’s embassy in Tokyo.
In an interview with Japanese media, Muttaqi described relations between Afghanistan and Japan as historic and close, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the economic sector.
Muttaqi also presented Afghanistan as a suitable destination for foreign investment, highlighting the potential for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. He said that resolving the current diplomatic issue would help facilitate stronger relations and greater engagement between Afghanistan and Japan.
The Afghan embassy in Tokyo has reportedly suspended its operations since January 2026 following a dispute over Japan’s acceptance of newly appointed Afghan diplomats.
The disagreement has created uncertainty around the future of Afghanistan’s diplomatic representation in Japan and has affected the embassy’s ability to operate normally.
Muttaqi’s comments indicate that the Taliban authorities are seeking a resolution that would allow the embassy to resume its activities while maintaining diplomatic engagement with Tokyo.
Japan has historically provided significant humanitarian and development assistance to Afghanistan, making bilateral relations important beyond diplomatic representation. Economic cooperation and investment could also become areas of increased engagement if the current dispute is resolved.
The reopening of the Afghan embassy in Tokyo would represent a step toward restoring regular diplomatic operations between the two countries, although the dispute over diplomatic accreditation remains to be resolved.
Further discussions between Kabul and Tokyo are expected to determine whether an agreement can be reached on the appointment and acceptance of Afghan diplomats.