Dear Compatriots, dear Friends of Italy,
On 25 October 2024, I began my mandate as Ambassador of Italy to Afghanistan.
Temporarily relocated in Doha, I am aware of the challenges posed by the current, complex phase, with repercussions on the bilateral relationship between Rome and Kabul.
Historically connected as friendly countries, Italy and Afghanistan are currently dealing with the suspension of diplomatic relations: the de facto Taliban government, which established itself in Kabul in August 2021, has not been recognized by the international community. Many countries, including Italy, have closed their Embassies.
The decision to relocate Italy’s diplomatic mission from Afghanistan to Qatar, in line with what has been done by other members of the international community, allows Italy to play a pivotal role in the political dialogue on Afghanistan led by the United Nations, known as the Doha Process: we are able to represent our support for the protection of human rights — in particular for Afghan women and girls — in the dialogue with representatives of the Taliban movement.
Together with my team here, and in close coordination with the Italian Cooperation Office in Islamabad, we support the valuable work of our humanitarian operators who, through civil society organizations and multilateral agencies, carry out important grassroots activities in favor of the most vulnerable components of the Afghan population. These include those affected by endemic poverty and malnutrition, in a context marked by a lack of basic health services and frequent natural disasters. Thanks to the commitment of the Italian Cooperation, we are among the main donors to Afghanistan, with a view to developing the growth potential of the Afghan private sector and promoting stability and security in a strategic region.
A diplomacy of dialogue and solidarity nourishes this path: the protection of human rights, respect for international obligations, and the well-being of the Afghan population will be the guiding principles of our work.
I do hope that these priorities can inspire trust and willingness in all our interlocutors, whom I wish to thank in advance for their contributions to a much-needed future of peace and prosperity for Afghanistan.
Sabrina Ugolini