In a symbolic and inspiring visit, Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and UN Humanitarian Coordinator, toured the National Museum of Afghanistan on Tuesday.

The National Museum, founded in 1919, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most treasured cultural institutions.

Housing a vast collection of artifacts, the museum reflects thousands of years of Afghanistan’s rich and complex history—from prehistoric times to the Islamic period.

During the visit, Ratwatte remarked: “This collection is a testament to the enduring power of art—even amid war, exile, and destruction. These objects are not merely items on display; they embody the soul of a nation passed from one generation to the next.”

Despite suffering significant damage and looting during decades of conflict, the museum has undergone extensive restoration. Today, it plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Afghanistan’s national identity and cultural heritage.

Among its notable artifacts are Greco-Bactrian coins, Buddhist statues, Islamic manuscripts, and magnificent examples of traditional Afghan handicrafts—all echoing the resilience and artistic spirit of the Afghan people.

The visit, organized by UNAMA, underscores the United Nations’ broader efforts to support cultural preservation in Afghanistan and highlights the international community’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s unique heritage.

Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Afghanistan, met on Tuesday with Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab, Special Envoy of the Qatari Foreign Minister, to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN-led Working Group meetings on Afghanistan, held in Doha on June 30 and July 1, and graciously hosted by the State of Qatar.

During the discussion, both envoys exchanged views on the evolving political, humanitarian, and security landscape in Afghanistan.

Tarig commended Qatar for its sustained diplomatic efforts and its constructive role in promoting peace, dialogue, and stability in the country.

He also delivered a comprehensive briefing on the OIC’s ongoing initiatives to support the Afghan people, particularly through the organization’s office in Kabul. These efforts, he noted, are being carried out in accordance with resolutions adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

The engagement underscores the growing coordination between regional and international partners aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Afghanistan and advancing inclusive solutions to support its long-term recovery.

A senior diplomat appointed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) formally assumed his role as Afghanistan’s ambassador to Russia on Tuesday, marking the first time an IEA-designated envoy has occupied the post in Moscow since regaining power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Russian state media reported that Gul Hassan, a former Afghan consul in Pakistan, arrived in the Russian capital earlier in the day and is expected to immediately commence his duties.

An official at the Afghan Embassy in Moscow confirmed his arrival to AFP, stating that Hassan “was due to arrive today.”

This development signals a new phase in diplomatic engagement between Moscow and the IEA, which regained control of Kabul in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces and the collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government.

Since then, Russia has gradually expanded its political and economic ties with the authorities in Kabul.

Although no country, including Russia, has formally recognized the IEA as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, several nations—including China, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia—have accepted diplomats appointed by the group to serve in ambassadorial or diplomatic roles.

In 2022, Russia accepted an IEA-appointed chargé d’affaires, and in April 2025, Moscow removed the group from its official list of terrorist organizations. That same month, IEA representatives were invited to participate in official Russian events, reflecting a steady normalization of relations.

Russia has also been proactive in expanding economic cooperation. It was the first country to open a business representation office in Kabul after the IEA takeover and has announced plans to use Afghanistan as a transit corridor for energy exports to Southeast Asia.

In July 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the IEA as “allies in the fight against terrorism,” further underscoring Moscow’s pragmatic approach to engaging with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers.

While formal recognition appears to be off the table for now, the appointment of an ambassador-level envoy is viewed as a significant diplomatic step, both symbolically and practically, in the evolving relationship between the two countries.