New Zealand Reaffirms Support for the Afghan People During Ambassador Waissi’s Visit

1-5 April 2025, Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand – During an official visit to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, as well as to the city of Auckland, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mr. Wahidullah Waissi, held meetings and discussions with senior officials of the country.

These meetings, held last week, included engagements with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Winston Peters; the Speaker of the Parliament, the Rt Hon. Gerry Brownlee; the Chair of the Afghanistan–Middle East Friendship Group in Parliament, the Hon. Sam Uffindell; several Cabinet Ministers; officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including its Chief of Protocol; the Executive Director of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Mr. James Kember; the Chair and Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission; and the President and members of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Inc.

In these engagements, Ambassador Waissi provided a detailed briefing on Afghanistan’s challenging situation, including recent developments, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the lack of access to essential services, and the widespread human rights violations perpetrated by the Taliban. He also shared insights into the efforts of Afghan civil and political institutions to address these violations and pursue viable solutions.

New Zealand officials reaffirmed their principled and consistent position of non-recognition of the repressive Taliban regime.

The Ambassador expressed deep appreciation for New Zealand’s longstanding support and cooperation over the past two decades, including its humanitarian contributions, sacrifices, and efforts—particularly in assisting with the evacuation and protection of vulnerable Afghans during the past four years under Taliban rule.

The outcomes of these discussions were constructive and forward-looking, paving the way for continued collaboration and shared understanding of the challenges facing Afghanistan and potential pathways for support.

On the final evening of the visit, Ambassador Waissi participated in an Eid celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the Afghan Association of New Zealand. Attended by hundreds of Afghans residing in Auckland, the Ambassador used the opportunity to commend the Association’s impactful work and presented a certificate of appreciation, prepared by the Embassy, to its current president.

The Ambassador also extended sincere recognition to Mr. Mohammad Yasin Hotaki, the Honorary Consul of Afghanistan in Auckland, for his dedicated service and valuable cooperation with the Embassy in Canberra, and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.

The Embassy of Afghanistan in Australia is concurrently accredited to New Zealand and Fiji.