More than 100 paintings, by artist Mohammad Fazel Badakhshani, went on display at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Kabul on Wednesday showcasing the life and culture of Afghans.

The paintings, which will be on permanent display, in the newly refurbished MoFA building, were displayed during a Nawroz celebration attended by the CEO Abdullah Abdullah, other government officials and foreign diplomats.

Speaking at the ceremony, acting foreign affairs minister Salahuddin Rabbani said the new year’s message was one of happiness and joy.

“The work of this young man (Badakhshani) is very inspiring and amazing, and I am sure everyone will like these paintings,” Rabbani said.

Abdullah also commented on the art work and said: “For those who visit this building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is an opportunity for them to see theart work of this talented artist.”

Badakhshani hails from the remote north-eastern province of Badakhshan.

He said he has been painting since he was 13 or 14 years old.