Erdoğan discusses Afghanistan crisis with UK's Johnson

Photo: AA/File

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The UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a detailed discussion with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan yesterday (August 22) on the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover of the country.

The two leaders also spoke of the importance of cooperating together with the international community to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan following the takeover of the country by the Taliban and to ensure that evacuations continue without any serious incidents, according to statements by Ankara and London.

"The prime minister spoke to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan today about the crisis in Afghanistan. They discussed the importance of the international community working together to stabilize the situation and support Afghans in the country and in the region," said a statement from Downing Street.

"The leaders shared the view that any new government must be representative of Afghanistan's diverse population and protect the rights of women and minorities, and that the Taliban would be judged by their actions, not their words, on this," the statement added.

Migration

"President Erdoğan stated that Turkey, whose current priority in Afghanistan he underscored was the evacuation of its citizens, could maintain the responsibility of ensuring the security of Kabul airport if appropriate conditions were created," said a statement by the Presidency Communications Directorate.

A new wave of immigration would be inevitable if Afghanistan and Iran do not take necessary measures, Erdoğan noted, saying: "Everyone, especially European countries, should take on responsibilities in a sincere manner and the international community should come together for this issue before the Afghan irregular migration turns into a crisis."

The statements did not mention the UK's plan to set up asylum application centers for Afghan people in Turkey and Pakistan. The country's Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace said in a newspaper article yesterday that the UK planned to establish a series of processing hubs across the region outside Afghanistan.

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Erdoğan and Johnson also agreed that countries must commit themselves to burden-sharing on aid and refugees following the Taliban's takeover, as well as the anticipated mass migration of many Afghans. Johnson and Erdoğan also agreed on the importance of the United Nations in coordinating any efforts to prevent a human rights catastrophe.

Last week, Erdoğan welcomed the "moderate" statements made by Taliban officials and announced that Turkey is ready to cooperate with all parties to ensure peace and stability.

Erdoğan said that Turkey's military's presence in the country will strengthen the new administration's hand. The president also announced that Turkey's troops would protect Kabul airport and ensure that evacuations continue in a safe and peaceful manner.

Turkey has had non-combatant troops in Afghanistan for nearly two decades. The Taliban has opposed its plan to run the airport. (RT/VK)