Ankara –
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it would protect Kabul airport from the Taliban. Currently, the authorities Turkey in coordination with other countries.
“We aim to ensure airport security and contribute to the security of this country after the withdrawal of America. We still maintain this intention,” Erdogan said in a televised interview. AFP, Thursday (19/8/2021).
Turkey is coordinating with the United States to help secure Kabul Airport. “We are now carrying out our planning according to the new realities emerging on the ground and holding our negotiations accordingly,” Erdogan said.
US authorities are in constant contact with Turkey on security arrangements for Kabul airport. The United States itself has expressed gratitude for Turkey’s role in evacuating civilians from Kabul.
“The presence of the Turkish military in Afghanistan will give the new government an edge in the international arena and facilitate its work,” Erdogan said.
He said Turkey was in discussions with Afghan authorities. “We can discuss different options,” he said.
Whoever holds power, Erdogan added, Turkey will support Afghanistan. Erdogan is ready to meet with Taliban leaders.
“We welcome the controlled and moderate statements made by the Taliban,” he added.
Erdogan also said he would speak with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days.
Turkish authorities have so far evacuated 552 Turkish citizens from Kabul.
(one by one)
– .
