Turkey-Afghanistan cooperation should expand further, says official

KABUL, Afghanistan

Cooperation between Turkey and Afghanistan should expand further beyond its current level, an official of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) told Anadolu Agency on Monday.

"We hope and would like to see Turkish businessmen and investors come to Afghanistan now," said Suleyman Ciliv, the Turkey-Afghanistan Business Council chairman representing Turkey.

"As the majority of our competitors have left the Afghan market due to the current situation, there are unique opportunities for Turkish investors who have the capacity of offering technology and funding to Afghanistan in many fields. Turkish investors need to avail themselves of the opportunities now," he added.

Noting that the World Bank suspended its financial support for Afghanistan's development projects, Ciliv said the security situation has improved considerably in the country compared to the past.

"We hope and expect the Taliban administration to extend political and bureaucratic support paving the ground for us to implement new projects,” he said.

Ciliv also underscored the "constructive and helpful attitude" of the executives they have been approaching.

"I believe that Turkey can help people and the government of Afghanistan through dialogue with the Taliban. The Taliban which have gained control of Afghanistan is not the same old Taliban," he said, adding: "In view of the improvement in security conditions, I now advise Turkish businessmen to come to Afghanistan, make long-term strategic projections, invest in Afghanistan and build up this country's production capacity."

Ciliv said Afghanistan needs sufficient employment, education and health conditions to prevent educated young people from moving to the West.

"That's why investment and job creation are the best ways to contain displacement and mass migration," he said.