The Taliban’s actions and not words will determine the future Afghanistan process, the Turkish president said on Wednesday.
Addressing ambassadors at a ceremony marking the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Malazgirt, which marks the beginning of the first Turkish settlements in Anatolia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Turkish government approaches the messages from Taliban leaders with cautious optimism for now.
Underlining the importance of attaining stability in Afghanistan, Erdogan said Ankara continues to be in “close dialogue” with all parties in the country with this purpose.
Read more: Anti-Taliban resistance spreading in Afghanistan: Massoud brother
He also stressed the importance of forming an all-inclusive government in Afghanistan and said the priority in the war-torn country should be to fill the authority gap to ensure public safety and normalization.
Touching on the urgent needs of Afghans, including food, the Turkish president said that the coronavirus pandemic, drought, and financial problems took a heavy toll on the public.
“The international community must help Afghanistan in this tough time and show solidarity, regardless of who governs the country,” he remarked.
Turkish President Erdogan:
• It is important that Afghanistan reaches stability. Turkey, in line with this purpose, will continue to be in close dialogue with all parties
• Turkey approaches messages from Taliban leaders with cautious optimism for now https://t.co/Bv7kabjX9r pic.twitter.com/9ct8KXRz39
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) August 25, 2021
Turkish troops and diplomats have been making extraordinary efforts to ensure order at the airport and maintain evacuation operations, he said.
Read More: How can the US ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan?
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to local media on Afghanistan:
– Turkey will stand with Afghans — be it good or bad times
– Turkey open to cooperation with Taliban
– Turkey has serious interests in Afghanistan, will continue to invest there pic.twitter.com/ptaTiXgx7R— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) August 18, 2021
Read More:Turkey likely to maintain footprint at Kabul airport
Refugees
Speaking on the matter of refugees, Kalin said: “We have taken new measures to prevent illegal migration. Turkey is no one’s migration warehouse.”
He pointed out that in the case of a migration wave, neighbouring and bordering countries will be affected first and urged the international community to take responsibility for migration.
“Turkey has done its part on the migration and refugees issue. It is neither possible nor likely to receive a new load after this.”
Read more: Pakistan and Russia not “racist” against Afghan refugees – Andrew Korybko
Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.
Turkey, which already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any country in the world, is taking new security measures within and on borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.
Taliban seeks technical assistance from Turkey to run Kabul airport but want soldiers to leave along with other militaries by August 31 – Reuters pic.twitter.com/qetaclWLHp
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) August 25, 2021
Read More: Turkey rejects ‘irresponsible decision’ taken by US on Afghan refugees
Anadolu with additional input by GVS News Desk