Six diplomats representing Afghanistan's Islamic Emirate are expected to begin diplomatic missions at Afghan embassies in several European countries in the coming days, according to diplomatic sources.

The appointments follow discussions between representatives of the Islamic Emirate and European officials during a meeting held in Brussels on June 22, which focused on diplomatic engagement and the provision of consular services for Afghan citizens residing in Europe.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, who headed the Islamic Emirate's delegation to Belgium, described the Brussels meeting as a constructive development that could help strengthen mutual trust between the two sides.

Balkhi said that the talks represented an important step toward the possible restoration of consular services for Afghans living across Europe, many of whom have faced difficulties accessing passport renewals, civil documentation, and other essential services since the political transition in Afghanistan.

Diplomatic sources confirmed the six officials are expected to take up assignments at Afghan diplomatic missions in European countries in the coming days, although the specific destinations have not yet been publicly disclosed.

Former Afghan diplomat Aziz Maarij noted the move represents meaningful diplomatic progress despite the fact that the Islamic Emirate has not yet received formal international recognition.

"Given Afghanistan's current situation with the international community and the fact that it has not been officially recognized by the world, this is still progress, as at least consular offices of Afghanistan could reopen in six countries," Maarij said.

The reopening or expansion of consular services is expected to benefit thousands of Afghan nationals residing in Europe who rely on Afghan diplomatic missions for documentation and administrative services.

At present, representatives of the Islamic Emirate are already serving at several Afghan diplomatic missions in Europe, including the Afghan Embassy in Norway and Afghan consulates in the German cities of Bonn and Berlin.

The latest development reflects ongoing diplomatic contacts between the Islamic Emirate and European countries aimed at addressing practical issues, particularly the delivery of consular services, while broader questions surrounding formal diplomatic recognition remain unresolved. (ILKHA)