Russia, Turkey Vow to Tighten Cooperation on Afghan Issues

Image credit: EPA

During a phone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reviewed the situation in Afghanistan and decided to improve bilateral cooperation on Afghan matters, according to a press release by the Kremlin.

According to the Kremlin, the presidents stressed the importance of counter-terrorism and combating drug trafficking, Reuters reports.

Last weekend, Taliban terrorists took control of Kabul, forcing thousands of civilians and Afghan military allies to flee for their lives.

The Turkish leader expressed optimism for a smooth transition in the nation, emphasizing the importance of the Taliban not repeating previous mistakes and sticking to their promises of an ethnically integrative model.

According to a readout after the conversation, Erdogan urged Putin that the new administration in Afghanistan should be inclusive and should represent the Afghan people’s variety.

After Taliban forces gained control of Afghanistan’s capital, Erdogan stated on Wednesday that Turkey still intends to guarantee security at Kabul airport.