Turkish and Afghan Foreign Ministers hold talks in Ankara

The meeting was the first official visit of a high-level Afghan delegation to Türkiye since the Islamic Emirate took over Kabul in August, 2021.

According to a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan, the humanitarian situation, the security challenges, and the regional cooperation. They also exchanged views on the bilateral relations and the prospects of enhancing cooperation in various fields.

The statement said that Türkiye reiterated its support for the peace and stability of Afghanistan and its people, and expressed its readiness to contribute to the reconstruction and development of the country. Türkiye also emphasized the importance of ensuring the rights and freedoms of all segments of the Afghan society, especially women and minorities.

The Afghan Foreign Minister thanked Türkiye for its assistance and solidarity with Afghanistan, and expressed his appreciation for Türkiye's constructive role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation in the region. He also invited Türkiye to participate in the upcoming regional conference on Afghanistan, which is expected to be held in Islamabad in November.

The meeting was seen as a sign of Türkiye's continued engagement with Afghanistan, despite the withdrawal of its troops from the country in September. Türkiye has been one of the few countries that maintained its diplomatic presence in Kabul after the Islamic Emirate takeover, and has offered to help operate and secure the Kabul airport. Türkiye has also hosted several rounds of talks between the Afghan parties in recent years, and has pledged to continue its efforts for a peaceful and inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan. (ILKHA)