Afghanistan`s embassy in Japan will suspend all operations, including consular services, from Feb. 1, the mission said on Saturday, adding to growing uncertainty over the country`s diplomatic representation abroad following the Taliban`s return to power.

The embassy, located in Tokyo`s Minato district, has been operated by diplomats appointed by Afghanistan`s former government, which was ousted when the Taliban seized Kabul in August 2021.

A senior embassy official told Japan`s Jiji Press that no decision had yet been taken on the future of the mission and that the building was expected to remain closed for the time being.

In a statement issued in late December, the embassy said the decision to halt activities was made after consultations with Japanese authorities and in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The embassy said Japan, as the host country, would continue to respect and safeguard Afghanistan`s diplomatic premises, property and archives under international law. Japan`s government has not publicly commented on the announcement.

The Tokyo mission is headed by Shaida Mohammad Abdali, who was appointed ambassador in January 2021 by Afghanistan`s former president. Japan`s embassy in Kabul has operated at the level of chargé d`affaires since the Taliban takeover.

Several embassies and consulates of Afghanistan around the world have closed or scaled back operations in recent years due to funding shortages and legal uncertainty, while others have seen staff replaced by representatives nominated by the Taliban.

Most countries, including Japan, do not formally recognize the Taliban administration, though many maintain limited engagement with them on humanitarian and regional security issues.