Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Turkey’s chargé d’affaires Cenk Ünal in Kabul on Monday. The two discussed Afghanistan Turkey relations. They focused on expanding political and economic links. Ünal announced the end of his diplomatic mission. He praised cooperation from the Islamic Emirate. Muttaqi thanked Turkey for its mediation role. This includes hosting two rounds of talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan. A high-level Turkish delegation heads to Pakistan this week. It includes the intelligence chief and ministers. The group aims to mediate between Kabul and Islamabad. The meeting occurred at 4:35 PM local time.
The farewell session underscores Turkey’s growing influence in regional diplomacy. Afghanistan Turkey relations have roots in mutual support over two decades. Turkey provided aid and hosted dialogues. Recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan prompted the push for talks. Pakistan blames militants in Afghanistan for attacks. Afghanistan denies sheltering them. Turkey stepped in with Qatar to broker a ceasefire on 19 October 2025 in Doha. Parties extended it during Istanbul meetings from 25 to 30 October 2025. All sides agreed to continue efforts. This prevents escalation that could disrupt trade routes and refugee flows across South Asia.
The story highlights Turkey’s pivot as a neutral broker. For South Asia, stable Afghanistan Turkey relations mean fewer spillover risks. Pakistan faces over 200 cross-border incidents yearly from groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Afghanistan deals with economic fallout from sanctions and aid freezes.
Turkey’s involvement offers a path to verifiable actions against militants. It also opens doors for joint projects. This eases pressures on neighbours like Pakistan and India. Regional powers see Turkey as a counterbalance to influences from Iran or China. Sustained mediation could cut defence spending and boost commerce. South Asian economies lose billions annually to instability. Stronger ties here foster confidence in investments from Gulf states.
Strengthening Afghanistan Turkey Relations Through Diplomacy
Afghanistan Turkey relations centre on shared history and current needs. Turkey opened its Kabul representation early after independence. It sent an officer of Afghan origin as the first envoy. Over years, Ankara offered humanitarian aid worth millions. This includes support for refugees and students in Turkey. Afghan officials note Turkey’s consistent backing. In a recent statement, the Turkish Embassy in Kabul highlighted positive trajectory in ties. Ambassador Cihad Erginay met Muttaqi earlier this year. He assured upgrades in diplomatic, economic spheres. Erginay said Turkish traders receive encouragement to invest in Afghanistan.
Muttaqi reciprocated. He promised facilities for Turkish businesses. The two exchanged views on political issues. They stressed ongoing bilateral cooperation. Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed the scope. “In this meeting, bilateral and regional issues, as well as the expansion of political and economic relations between the two countries, were discussed,” Takal said.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry echoes this. In bilateral political relations overview, it lists Afghanistan as a priority neighbour. Recent high-level contacts include meetings at the OIC session. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met Muttaqi there. They covered joint cooperation. Cavusoglu noted Turkish companies plan visits to Afghanistan. This signals intent for deeper engagement.
The farewell meeting with Ünal fits this pattern. Ünal expressed satisfaction with his tenure. He received full support from Afghan authorities. Muttaqi appreciated Turkey’s hosting of Afghanistan-Pakistan dialogues. These occurred in Istanbul. They mark meaningful steps to ease tensions. Analysts view Turkey’s role as constructive.
Seyed Haroon Hashemi, a political analyst, said: “Turkey is an influential country both in the region and the world, and it can help find a peaceful and constructive solution to the current tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.” Shir Hassan Hassan, an international relations expert, added: “Turkey’s efforts to resolve tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are commendable. Recently, Turkey hosted two rounds of dialogue between the two countries as well.”
These efforts build on historical ties. Turkey completed projects in Afghanistan pre-2021. It pledged to finish pending ones. Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman met Turkish Ambassador Oğuzhan Ertuğrul recently. They discussed senior officials’ agendas. Bilateral relations topped the list. This includes refugee situations and health aid.
Afghanistan Turkey Trade: Pathways to Economic Revival
Afghanistan Turkey trade forms a key pillar of relations. Talks often highlight investment potential. Turkish firms eye opportunities in reconstruction. Afghanistan seeks partners for mining and agriculture. Erginay mentioned major humanitarian aid from Turkey. He vowed continuation. This aid totals over USD 100 million since 2021, per official tallies. It covers food, shelter, and education.
Bilateral discussions push for more. Muttaqi urged completion of Turkish projects. These span infrastructure like roads and schools. Trade volumes stood at USD 200 million in 2024. Exports from Afghanistan include fruits and carpets. Turkey supplies machinery and textiles. The Kabul-Ankara meeting stressed expansion. Officials aim to double figures by 2027. Barriers include sanctions on Afghanistan. Yet, Turkey navigates these via exemptions.
In Geneva conferences, Turkey backed USD 1 billion in EU aid pledges. Muttaqi raised frozen Afghan assets. He called it usurpation of rights. Turkish counterparts addressed this in joint forums. They advocate for release to bolster economy. Afghanistan’s population of 40 million faces basics shortages. Trade with Turkey offers relief. Recent OIC meetings reinforced this. Cavusoglu promised trader visits. This could spark deals in energy and logistics.
South Asia benefits indirectly. Stable Afghanistan Turkey trade stabilises borders. Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan hit PKR 500 million monthly. Disruptions from clashes cost PKR 100 million weekly. Enhanced ties mean reliable routes like Torkham. India watches closely. It competes in Afghan markets but supports regional calm.
Turkey Mediation Afghanistan: A Regional Lifeline
Turkey mediation Afghanistan efforts gained momentum in 2025. Border clashes erupted mid-October. Pakistan launched airstrikes. It claimed over 200 militants killed. Afghanistan reported 58 soldiers lost. Accusations flew over airspace violations. Qatar and Turkey mediated a Doha ceasefire on 19 October 2025. Signatories included defence ministers.
Istanbul hosted follow-ups. From 25 October, delegations met. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a joint statement on 30 October 2025. “Afghanistan, Pakistan, Türkiye and Qatar held meetings in Istanbul from 25-30 October 2025 aimed at solidifying the ceasefire which was agreed by Afghanistan and Pakistan in Doha on 18-19 October 2025 with the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar,” it read. “All parties have agreed on continuation.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed. Spokesperson noted the third round ended 7 November 2025 in Istanbul. “Pakistan deeply appreciates the sincere efforts made by brotherly Turkiye and Qatar to mediate the difference between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the core issue of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil against Pakistan,” the statement said. Islamabad demands action against TTP. It reports a surge in attacks since 2021.
Afghan side seeks mutual respect. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan pursues good relations. It rejects interference. Mediators pushed for verifiable steps. Turkey’s delegation includes intelligence head. They travel to Pakistan this week. Aim: finalise implementation. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Geo News the talks give peace another chance. At Qatar and Turkey’s request, delegations stayed.
This mediation prevents wider conflict. Clashes killed dozens. They displaced thousands near borders. South Asia’s security hangs in balance. TTP links to Afghan groups fuel fears. Successful talks could dismantle safe havens. Qatar’s ambassador appointment to Kabul aids this. It strengthens neutral facilitation.
Background
Afghanistan Turkey relations date to 1923. Turkey recognised Afghan independence swiftly. It hosted exiles during conflicts. Post-2021, Ankara engaged Taliban directly. Aid flowed despite non-recognition. Trade pacts evolved from aid to investments. Mediation role emerged with 2024 border flares. Istanbul became venue for discreet talks. Qatar joined for Gulf leverage. Joint efforts yielded the Doha truce. This builds on OIC frameworks.
What’s Next
Parties eye a November summit. Turkey leads on TTP curbs. Economic forums follow. Afghanistan pushes asset releases. Pakistan seeks border security. Success hinges on compliance. Regional forums like SCO may align.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 30th, 2025
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