Turkey to Open Consulate in Herat
Turkey has decided to increase its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and will soon open a new consulate in the country, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
Turkey has decided to increase its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and will soon open a new consulate in the country, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
In a statement, the ministry said Ambassador Oguzhan Ertugrul called upon the Afghan Minister of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin Rabbani during which both sides discussed ways and means to bolster bilateral ties.
Ertugrul said Turkey would soon establish a consulate in the country’s third-biggest city Heart bordering Iran, it said.
“Mr. Ertugrul pronounced Afghanistan as a good friend of Turkey, and informed [the Afghan side] about a visit by the Prime Minister [Binali Yildirim] to Afghanistan,” it added.
Earlier this month, the two countries announced the formation of a joint trade commission.
According to Anatoly News agency, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) spokesman Sayam Pasarlay said bilateral trade between the two countries was witnessing a significant surge and a new consulate in Herat would further promote it.
Pasarlay said Afghanistan wants to end its reliance on Pakistan and diversify its international trade routes; in this regard, the country sees Turkey as a major player in a number of sectors, mainly construction, medicine, garments and home appliances.
Turkey has a key presence in the country’s education as well.
