Thursday, November 13, 2014

Turkey and Afghanistan Relations

The nation of Turkey has been a long time member of the Coalition in Afghanistan; having sent troops at the very beginning of the conflict. In late 2001 (or perhaps it was early 2002) the first Turkish Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) was established in Jawzjan. The Turks have had a strong presence in northern Afghanistan and also in the capital region (Kabul).

On the diplomatic front Turkey has been leading annual consultation sessions between Afghanistan and Pakistan to encourage the two countries to root out extremism and terrorism as well as to improve their political and security relationships. (Not a lot of progress on that front considering Pakistan supports the Taliban). The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, recently paid a visit to the newly elected President Ghani, his Vice-President Abdul Rashid Dostrum, and the Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah.

Read more in "Turkey, Afghanistan determined to deepen relations", Central Asia Online, November 5, 2014.

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