Turkish investment to spur Afghan economy

KABUL and spur its war-battered economy.

Wadir Safi, a Kabul University professor, believed Turkey could play a positive role in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan, keeping in mind Ankara’s cordial relations both with with Islamabad and Kabul.

Speaking exclusively to Pajhwok Afghan News, he said Turkey could mount pressure on Pakistan to work sincerely for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, had realised terrorism was a threat to the entire region and its elimination was important for peace and prosperity.

Ustad Masood, an economic expert, said Turkish investment was important for the growth of industry in Afghanistan, a landlocked country that could take advantage of the Turkish reform model. Turkey can help Afghanistan in mining, agriculture and transportation sectors.

Masood urged the government of Afghanistan to create an enabling environment for foreign investment in mining, agriculture and transportation sectors.

Erdogan, who led a high-level delegation, arrived on a day-long visit in Kabul on Saturday. During the trip, he called upon President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and discussed matters of mutual interest.

It was the first time a Turkish President visited Afghanistan in a decades. President Ahmadzai warmly welcomed his counterpart and bestowed the prestigious Ghazi Amanullah Khan Award on the visiting dignitary.

Turkey and Afghanistan on Saturday signed a strategic cooperation agreement, paving the ground for more robust trade and investment links between the two countries.

Ahmadzai and Erdogan announced signing a strategic cooperation pact at a joint news conference after formal talks at the Presidential Palace.

The accord envisages Turkish investment in Afghanistan’s vast mining sector. The two sides will also cooperate in areas of defence, agriculture, health and culture. 

Erdogan promised his country would focus on long-term fundamental development projects in Afghanistan in the fields of mining, transportation and training of government personnel.

Ahmadzai’s administration asked Turkey for the supply of weapons to Afghan forces. He believed Istanbul being a major actor could use its enormous influence for dispute resolution in the region.

Trilateral consultations among Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey have been a success. Pakistan’s cooperation played a key role in facilitating the recent presidential election, he insisted.

nh/sks/mud