Irans deputy foreign minister afghanistan

TEHRAN – Alireza Bigdeli will be replacing Hassan Kazemi Qomi as the new Iranian ambassador to Afghanistan, according to reports published on Sunday.

Qomi was appointed as the Iranian president’s special envoy two months before the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

Sometime later, he also assumed the role of Iranian ambassador to Kabul. The title of special envoy will be eliminated with the appointment of Bigdeli as the new ambassador.

Given the sensitive and crucial nature of Iran's relationship with Afghanistan, Iran is working to cultivate close ties with the ruling Taliban government while simultaneously advocating for the inclusion of all Afghan political groups.

Immigration and trade are another key aspect of the bilateral relationship.

Career background

Bigdeli has a PhD in Political Philosophy and has spent several decades in different ranks of the Iranian foreign ministry. 

After serving as an analyst on East Europe, the diplomat began his first major ro