Turkish Intelligence Chief Holds Talks With Senior Taliban Officials in Kabul
DID Press: Ibrahim Kalin, head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), visited Kabul and Kandahar on Wednesday and held talks with senior Taliban officials on strengthening security and intelligence cooperation between Türkiye and Afghanistan, according to Turkish security sources cited by Anadolu Agency.
During his meeting with Sirajuddin Haqqani, Kalin discussed bilateral relations, particularly security cooperation, counter-narcotics efforts and coordination between the two countries’ interior ministries. The two sides also exchanged views on regional developments, according to Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry.
Kalin also met Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence. According to Turkish security sources, the meeting focused on deepening security and intelligence cooperation between Türkiye and Afghanistan.
The Turkish intelligence chief also held talks with Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban’s acting defense minister, and Abdul Ghani Baradar. The meetings covered bilateral relations, security and intelligence cooperation, as well as regional and international developments.
Turkish sources said the discussions also addressed counterterrorism, human smuggling and drug trafficking. Regional developments, including the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, were also discussed.
Kalin’s visit included both Kabul and Kandahar, although Turkish sources did not provide further details about his programme in Kandahar.
The series of meetings places security and intelligence cooperation prominently among the issues discussed between Ankara and the Taliban authorities.
Türkiye has maintained direct engagement with Taliban officials while continuing to develop its diplomatic and security contacts with Kabul.