Afghan Embassy in Canberra to Close in June 2026, Says Joint Statement

The Australian government and the embassy of Afghanistan’s former government in Canberra have issued a joint statement announcing that the embassy’s operations will be suspended as of June 30, 2026.

The statement says the decision was made following bilateral consultations and in view of current conditions and operational limitations. According to the statement, both parties have emphasized the importance of a dignified and orderly transition process and clarified that this decision does not alter Australia’s principled stance on the situation in Afghanistan.

A portion of the joint statement reads: “In light of the prevailing circumstances, following consultations instigated by the Australian Government, and in the context of constraints beyond the control of the Embassy, given concerns the situation was not able to continue in perpetuity, we advise that the Embassy’s operations will be suspended after 30 June 2026.”

The statement, released by the Australian government, also affirms that Australia has no intention of accepting new representatives from the Islamic Emirate and does not recognize the Islamic Emirate as the official representative of Afghanistan.

It further clarifies that following the embassy’s closure, the Australian government will protect the embassy building and its diplomatic assets in accordance with international law.

This comes after earlier announcements by the former Afghan government’s embassy regarding the possibility of ceasing its operations in 2026.

So far, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not commented on whether it intends to assign a representative to take over the embassy.