By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL (TURKISH JOURNAL) – On Wednesday, at a ceremony celebrating the first Turkish settlements in the country, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told ambassadors in attendance that the Taliban’s actions, not words, will determine the future of Afghanistan. Erdogan expressed that he is cautiously optimistic about the situation in that country and that Turkish officials are in “close dialogue” with all parties in ongoing talks about forming a new government.
The Turkish leader emphasized the importance of an all-inclusive government in Afghanistan and that the priority should be on the Afghan people and their immediate needs. Multiple reports indicate a severe shortage of food and water in the country. Erdogan commented: “The international community must help Afghanistan in this tough time and show solidarity, regardless of who governs the country.” He added that Turkish troops and diplomats have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure order at the airport as well as smoother evacuation operations.
