Embassy of Afghanistan

General information

The embassy of Afghanistan in London became operational in March 1922 following the arrival of Afghanistan’s first Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom, Mr. Abdul Hadi Dawi (1894-1982). Mr. Dawi was a well-known Afghan intellectual and a close friend and ally of the famed Mamood Tarzai, the first foreign minister of independent Afghanistan and the founder of modern journalism in the country. (Tarzi was the father-in-law of King Amanullah who ruled Afghanistan from 1919 to1929.) Mr. Dawi served as Minister Plenipotentiary in London until 1924. Years later, Mr. Dawi served as Speaker of the Lower House of Afghanistan’s parliament (1950-52).
The building, in which the Afghan embassy is housed today was built in 1846-48 and purchased by the Royal State of Afghanistan in 1925. The building, located across London’s famous Hyde Park and Royal Albert Hall, counts among the jewels of the city’s historic structures. The embassy’s annex-building was built in 1955 and currently houses its consulate section.