My fellow Afghans,
My American Friend,
Welcome to the new website of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C. We are honored to be of assistance to you at this important juncture of our country's history, as we continue the successful process of solidifying peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan. We hope that this site helps you acquire the desired information and/or service.
Afghanistan and United States of America share a common destiny in fighting terror and tyranny and a deep rooted history of friendship and partnership. The first contact between our people was established in the 1830's by a Pennsylvania adventurer, Josiah Harlan. Shortly after Afghanistan regained her independence from Britain in 1919, the reformist monarch of Afghanistan, King Amanullah dispatched General Wali Khan as the first envoy of Afghanistan to Washington.
The full diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1934. His Majesty King Zaher Shah sent Abdul Hussein Aziz, as the first Afghan Ambassador to the United States, shortly after the end of World War II.
Ambassador Aziz purchased the historic building that the embassy is now housed in more than half a century ago. President Roosevelt appointed William Hornibrook as the first U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, on November 14, 1935. President Dwight D. Eisenhower made history when he became the first U.S. President to visit Afghanistan on December 9, 1959. It is reported, that seeing Afghanistan had long been a dream of President Eisenhower. Reflecting on his trip, President Eisenhower noted that he found the Afghan people to be "the most determined lot he had ever encountered". The first visit by the Afghan Head of State to the U.S. took place in September 1963, when His Majesty King Zahir Shah, the Father of the Nation, was invited by President John F. Kennedy. In the sixties and seventies USA provided significant financial assistance to Afghanistan, and in the eighties we were partner in the war against communism.
Together Afghanistan and USA fought and won the last battle of the Cold War. Together Afghans and Americans are fighting side by side at the forefront of the global war against terrorism. Today, while our common interest in fighting terrorism and solidifying peace and stability forms the bedrock of the close US Afghan partnership, our shared desire to build a democratic state that guarantees the safety and security of its citizens, promotes democracy, human rights, rule of the law and provides for sustained economic growth cements the solid friendship of Afghans and Americans.
Thanks to the leadership of President Hamid Karzai, the partnership with the United States and the assistance provided by the international community, today, hope, peace, education and reconstruction are replacing despair, destruction, and violence as the prevailing reality in Afghanistan. Afghan women are enjoying unprecedented opportunities and equal rights. Tangible results of reconstruction and infrastructure building are visible throughout the country. From the flourishing urban centers to the remotest villages of Afghanistan, the reconstruction efforts are reaching the Afghan people. Afghanistan has made significant progress on her way to recovery. To sustain and enhance this process, Afghans collectively demand continued partnership with, and sustained support and engagement by, the United States of America.
Today, Afghanistan is once more playing its historic role in bridging cultures, countries and civilizations. Over 60 counties are helping rebuild Afghanistan. 36 countries have troops in Afghanistan. 41 countries are helping train and equip our national army. NATO is embracing its role in keeping the peace in southern Afghanistan, and ordinary Afghans continue to support the American and international troops risking their lives to make Afghanistan a safer place to live.
My mission as the Chargé d’Affaires of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United States of America consists of the following: First, to foster the solid partnership between the governments of Afghanistan and the United States of America and further strengthen the historic friendship between our people. Second, to promote investment and accelerate funding for the reconstruction. Third, to encourage, and facilitate for, a greater participation by the Afghan-American to rebuild our homeland.
We welcome all U.S. businesses and non-profit institutions to participate further in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The vast opportunities for investment in rebuilding Afghanistan, coupled with the desire and determination of the Afghan people to cherish the partnership with the United States offers tremendous opportunities for direct investment as well as civic and charitable work. Please contact us if we can be of any assistance.
We invite all Afghan-Americans to further expand their valuable participation in rebuilding their homeland by brining home their expertise, capital, hard work habit and professional skills. Afghan-Americans are currently contributing very significantly in investing and building national institutions in Afghanistan. There are many opportunities both in the Afghan government and in the private sector for educated and professional expatriates. Please contact us if you are interested in working or investing in Afghanistan.
We appreciate if you would visit our website regularly for new information and contact us with your comments and questions.
Sincerely yours,
Khojesta Fana Ebrahimkhel
Chargé d’Affaires
