MoFA-Structure and Background of”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is headquartered in the historic Storai Palace, built in 1901 under the reign of Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, situated to the west of the Arg’s garden. This landmark building served as the Ministry’s initial office and headquarters. Before its formal establishment as a ministry, the office was known as the “Distinguished Administration,” later renamed the “Office for the Supervision of Foreign Affairs. Since 1884-1885 AD, Storai Palace has been officially designated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under the leadership of Afghanistan’s first Foreign Minister, Mahmud Tarzi, the foundational structure of the ministry was established, marking the beginning of organized foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives for Afghanistan. In addition to the Storai Palace, a modern three-story building was added during the reign of King Zahir Shah, when Sardar Mohammad Daoud Khan served as Prime Minister. This building remains in use as the office for the Ministry’s leadership. Foreign Policy The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the government’s foreign policy. It oversees international relations, coordinates and monitors interactions with foreign entities, and strengthens Afghanistan’s diplomatic presence worldwide. The ministry’s responsibilities extend to the implementation of strategic agreements, treaties, and accords with foreign states and international organizations, as well as ensuring cohesion and support for these relationships.
Consular Services
Another core function of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to deliver consular and diplomatic services to Afghan citizens and foreign nationals. This includes protecting the rights of Afghan citizens abroad and addressing the needs of Afghan expatriates, students, and refugees. The ministry is dedicated to resolving issues faced by Afghans living overseas and facilitating their interactions with host countries.
Phases of Foreign Policy
Since its inception, Afghanistan’s foreign policy has been shaped by the ruling authorities and systems, reflecting the political vision of those in power. It can be categorized into three main phases:

1. The era of non-alignment and monarchy.
2. The phases of foreign invasions and external interference, focusing on the goals of invaders.
3. The foreign policy from perspective of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

During the monarchical and constitutional monarchy periods, Afghanistan’s foreign policy was characterized by a focus on safeguarding the country from regional and global competitions. However, with the establishment of a republic in the early 1970s, Afghanistan entered a new phase of political conflict. Following the Soviet invasion and the establishment of a communist regime, the course of Afghanistan’s foreign policy fell into the hands of a specific ideological group. During the period of internal conflicts and political divisions, the direction of foreign policy was similarly dominated by particular political factions. With the Islamic Emirate’s rising to power, Afghanistan’s foreign policy was once again redefined based on the vision of establishing a fully Islamic, independent, and non-hostile state. However, foreign invasions persisted, and under the American occupation, Afghan leaders aligned with Western democracy, largely influenced and supported by the United States, steered the country’s foreign policy toward democratic ideals. Ultimately, with the backing and sacrifices of the Afghan people and after two decades of struggle by the Islamic Emirate, Afghanistan’s independent foreign policy has once again been shaped by an Islamic, balanced, and economy-focused vision following the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
List of Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministers Throughout Three Historical Phases
During Monarchy, Constitutional Monarchy, and Early Republic Periods

1. Mahmood Tarzi (1919–1922)
2. Mohammad Wali Khan Darwazi (1922–1924)
3. Mahmood Tarzi (1924–1927)
4. Ghulam Siddiq Khan Charkhi (1927–1928)
5. Faiz Mohammad Zakaria (1929–1939)
6. Ali Mohammad Khan (1939–1952)
7. Sultan Ahmad Khan Sherzai (1952–1953)
8. Sardar Mohammad Naeem Khan (1953–1963)
9. Dr. Mohammad Yusuf (1963–1965)
10. Noor Ahmad Etemadi (1965–1971)
11. Mohammad Musa Shafiq (1971–1972)
12. Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan (1973–1978)

During Soviet Occupation and Communist Rule

1. Hafizullah Amin (1978–1979)
2. Dr. Shah Wali (1979)
3. Shah Mohammad Dost (1980–1986)
4. Abdul Wakil (1986–1992)

During the Islamic State of Afghanistan

1. Sayed Suleiman Gilani (1992–1993)
2. Hedayat Amin Arsala (1993–1994)
3. Abdul Rahim Ghafoorzai (1996)

During the First Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

1. Mullah Mohammad Ghous Akhund
2. Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund
3. Mullah Wakil Ahmad Mutawakil

During the U.S. Occupation and Democratic Governance

1. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (2001–2005)
2. Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta (2005–2010)
3. Dr. Zalmai Rassoul (2010–2013)
4. Zarar Ahmad Moqbel (October 2013 to 2014)
5. Salahuddin Rabbani (2014–2019)
6. Mohammad Haneef Atmar (2020 to August 2021)

During the Current Rule of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

1. Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi (September 2021 to present)