US Special Representative James Dobbins in Ankara for Afghanistan talks

ISTANBUL

United States special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, James Dobbins, attends a meeting of the international Afghanistan Contact Group at Germany's Foreign Ministry in Berlin, May 14. AP photo

Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu has met today with U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins in Ankara as the International Security Assistance Force announced that it had entered the final phase of security transition in war-torn Afghanistan.

The officials discussed the latest developments in the country and both countries’ role in the new phase. Turkey has been one of the main contributors of military assistance during ISAF's mission in Afghanistan.

ISAF forces are set continue to be engaged in combat operations over the next 19 months. After the end of 2014, the new "Resolute Support" mission will purely be focused on training, advising and assisting Afghan forces.