The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the appointment of Sabrina Ugolini as the new ambassador to Afghanistan, stating that she will temporarily operate from Qatar.
The statement added that human rights and the status of women in Afghanistan will be top priorities in Ambassador Ugolini’s mission.
Fifty-six-year-old Sabrina Ugolini stated, “I assume with responsibility and pride the position of Ambassador of Italy to Afghanistan, working in the Doha process. Human rights and the condition of women and girls will be at the core of my mandate, in the tradition of Italian humanitarian commitment to the Afghan people.”
Salim Paigir, a political analyst, said: “Italy could play a major role, but unfortunately, it’s all rhetoric, and they don’t really intend to act.”
Some political experts consider Italy’s appointment of a new ambassador for Afghanistan an important step in improving bilateral relations, but they add that countries should reopen their embassies in Kabul to effectively address Afghan issues.
Fazl Rahman Oriya, another political analyst, said: “There is a need for better strategic relations between Western countries and Afghanistan, and Western national interests dictate that their diplomatic efforts be managed directly from Kabul.”
Previously, Italy’s chargé d’affaires for Afghanistan met with the acting foreign minister to discuss plans to expand the Italian embassy’s activities in Kabul.