Turkey to open new consulate in Afghanistan: Afghan Foreign Ministry

KABUL

Turkey has decided to increase its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and will soon open a new consulate in the country, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on March 25, citing the Afghan Foreign Ministry. 

In a statement, the ministry said Ambassador Oğuzhan Ertuğrul called upon the Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, during which both sides discussed ways and means to bolster bilateral ties.

Ertuğrul said Turkey would soon establish a consulate in the country’s third-biggest city bordering Iran, according to the statement.

“Mr. Ertuğrul pronounced Afghanistan as a good friend of Turkey, and informed [the Afghan side] about a visit by the Prime Minister [Binali Yıldırım] to Afghanistan,” it said.

Earlier this month, the two countries announced the formation of a joint trade commission.

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) spokesman Sayam Pasarlay said bilateral trade between the two countries has been witnessing a significant surge and a new consulate in Herat would further promote it.

Pasarlay said Afghanistan wants to end its reliance on Pakistan and diversify its international trade routes. In this regard, the country sees Turkey as a major player in a number of sectors, mainly construction, medicine, garments and home appliances.

Afghanistan’s diplomatic ties with Turkey go a long way back. The country recognized the Republic of Turkey in the 1920s.