Atmar hails Turkey’s readiness to guard Kabul airport

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan has welcomed Turkey’s willingness to secure the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul after the exit of foreign forces from Afghanistan.

A Turkish media outlet quoted Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar as saying the airport security was essential for the safe presence of the diplomatic corps in the country.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Atmar said; “We very much welcome Turkey’s willingness to sustain its capabilities and the high-level technological arrangements for the airport …”

Such arrangements were needed for the presence of the diplomatic community in Kabul and continued international support for Afghanistan.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Sunday, he remarked: “Turkey has made a bold and very much commendable initiative.”

About the trilateral meeting among Turkey, Afghanistan and Iran, he said they had agreed to cooperate on the Afghan peace process, security, counterterrorism, preventing organized crime and illegal migration.

“We reiterated our commitment to the peace process and emphasised that we three work together, as well as with Pakistan,” he added.

Atmar went on to underline Pakistan’s role in the broader peace and stabilisation process in Afghanistan.

“I’m glad how Turkey, a brotherly country, is so keen in seeking support from the entire region for this peace and stabilization effort, but especially from Pakistan.”

PAN Monitor/mud