Afghanistan-Turkey Friendship Day celebrated in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan

The Afghanistan-Turkey Friendship Day celebrations at the Turkish embassy in the capital Kabul was attended by high-ranking officials and civil society members on Sunday.

Afghanistan was the second nation to recognize the Republic of Turkey, after the Soviet Union, on March 1, 1921. Hence, the day is celebrated as Friendship Day between the two countries.

The Turkish Embassy in Kabul hosted a reception for Afghan officials, civil society and foreign dignitaries in this connection.

Speaking at the ceremony Turkish ambassador Oguzhan Ertugrul said that the relations between Ankara and Kabul has a history that stretches back for centuries. He reiterated support for Afghanistan in training the security forces as well as in education, health and agriculture sectors.

Ertugrul stressed Turkey wishes stability in Afghanistan.

For his part, Afghanistan's Deputy Foreign Minister Naheed Esar said Afghans see Turkey as a friend and brotherly nation owing to the deep-rooted cultural ties.

Later, as part of the ceremony, both sides planted trees in Afghan-Turkish Friendship Park in the Pagman district of Kabul.