Afghan Taliban delegation in Turkey for high-level talks
3 years, 2 months ago

Afghan Taliban delegation in Turkey for high-level talks

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s foreign minister on Thursday met with a high-level delegation of Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers, officials said, the first such talks since the Taliban takeover of the country in August as U.S. forces pulled out after two decades of war. Cavusoglu, speaking after the meeting in the Turkish capital, said they discussed the flights from Kabul’s airport after the Taliban requested Ankara’s help on the matter. We recommended that they see this as an expectation from the Muslim world and other Muslim countries.” The Turkish minister said he also discussed the Taliban’s inability to access Afghanistan’s foreign funds, saying Turkey believes that countries that have frozen Afghanistan’s foreign accounts should show “more flexibility” to allow salaries to be paid. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a virtual meeting Thursday between the Group of 20 most powerful economies that the international community should keep the channels of dialogue with the Taliban open, to “patiently and gradually steer” them toward establishing a more inclusive government.

International Turkey Taliban Turkish European Afghan Islamabad Kabul Hafeez Pia Cavusoglu  turkey  delegation  talks  afghanistans  kabul  minister  flights  afghan  highlevel  foreign  pia  international  taliban

History of this topic

Turkey wants ‘concrete steps’ from Sweden, Finland over NATO bids
2 years, 6 months ago

Turkey wants ‘concrete steps’ from Sweden, Finland over NATO bids

Al Jazeera  

Turkish president says no progress can be achieved in the process without seeing ‘concrete steps’ by both countries. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says steps should be taken to address Ankara’s “legitimate” concerns over the NATO bids of Finland and Sweden. According to a statement by Turkey’s Communications Directorate on Wednesday, Erdogan told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in a phone …

Turkey, Qatar to discuss Kabul airport plans with Taliban
3 years ago

Turkey, Qatar to discuss Kabul airport plans with Taliban

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — A joint Turkish and Qatari delegation is traveling to Afghanistan to discuss plans for companies from their two countries to run Kabul’s international airport in a partnership, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported Thursday. The Anadolu Agency said Turkish and Qatari officials met in Doha this week to coordinate details and were scheduled to travel to Kabul later …

Putin says 'Taliban could possibly be removed from terrorists' list'; calls for inclusive govt
3 years, 1 month ago

Putin says 'Taliban could possibly be removed from terrorists' list'; calls for inclusive govt

India TV News  

The removal of the Taliban movement from the list of terrorist organisations is possible, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomes remarks by President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, regarding removal of names of IEA leaders from the blacklist," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the spokesperson of the Afghan Foreign Ministry in …

Russia hosts Afghan talks, calls for an inclusive government
3 years, 2 months ago

Russia hosts Afghan talks, calls for an inclusive government

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — Russia hosted talks on Afghanistan on Wednesday involving senior representatives of the Taliban and neighboring nations, a round of diplomacy that underlined Moscow’s clout in Central Asia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov opened the talks and emphasized that “forming a really inclusive government fully reflecting the interests of not only all ethnic groups but all political forces of …

US, Taliban to hold first talks since Afghanistan withdrawal
3 years, 2 months ago

US, Taliban to hold first talks since Afghanistan withdrawal

Deccan Chronicle  

Islamabad: Senior Taliban officials and U.S. representatives are to hold talks Saturday and Sunday about containing extremist groups in Afghanistan and easing the evacuation of foreign citizens and Afghans from the country, officials from both sides said. It's the first such meeting since U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan in late August, ending a 20-year military presence there, and the Taliban's …

US, Taliban hold first talks since Afghanistan withdrawal
3 years, 2 months ago

US, Taliban hold first talks since Afghanistan withdrawal

Al Jazeera  

Humanitarian situation and the implementation of the 2020 US-Taliban agreement on agenda in talks held in Doha. Senior Taliban officials and United States representatives have discussed “opening a new page” in their countries’ relationship as they kicked off talks in Qatar, according to a top Afghan diplomat. The in-person meetings that began in Doha on Saturday are the first since …

Russia to invite Taliban to Moscow on October 20 for international talks
3 years, 2 months ago

Russia to invite Taliban to Moscow on October 20 for international talks

India TV News  

Russia will invite the Taliban to Moscow for international talks on October 20, reported news agency AFP quoting other agencies. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Zamir Kabulov, Russian President Vladimir Putins special envoy for the country, who also serves as the director of the second Asian Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that an invite has been extended to …

Taliban still struggling for international recognition
3 years, 2 months ago

Taliban still struggling for international recognition

Al Jazeera  

Group spent the last two years courting world leaders but has found it difficult to gain acceptance since taking power in August. The Taliban’s diplomatic isolation is in contrast to the last 10 years, which saw the group making several trips across the region as part of their peace efforts with the US administration. ‘Taliban part of Afghanistan’s reality’ Janan …

Moscow invites Taliban to Afghanistan talks on October 20
3 years, 2 months ago

Moscow invites Taliban to Afghanistan talks on October 20

India Today  

Russia will invite representatives of the Taliban to international talks on Afghanistan that it plans to host in Moscow on Oct. 20, President Vladimir Putin's special representative on Afghanistan said on Thursday. Moscow hosted an international conference on Afghanistan in March at which Russia, the United States, China, Moscow invites the Taliban to Afghanistan talks on October 20 and Pakistan …

Afghanistan crisis: Taliban plans to hold oath-taking ceremony on September 11
3 years, 3 months ago

Afghanistan crisis: Taliban plans to hold oath-taking ceremony on September 11

India TV News  

The interim government of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan is likely to take the oath of office on September 11, a day which also marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the US in 2001. As per reports, the newly-formed Taliban government has rolled out invitations to various countries to be part of the oath-taking ceremony, including China, …

World reacts as Taliban announces new Afghan government
3 years, 3 months ago

World reacts as Taliban announces new Afghan government

Al Jazeera  

US expresses concern over ‘track record’ of people named to top posts, while UN agency decries exclusion of women from government. The Taliban has announced an all-male caretaker government drawn exclusively from its inner echelons, including a man under United Nations sanctions as prime minister and another on a United States “terrorism” list as interior minister. United States The US …

Turkey aims to improve ties with Egypt, UAE
3 years, 3 months ago

Turkey aims to improve ties with Egypt, UAE

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — Turkey continued on Tuesday to reach out to regional rivals Egypt and the United Arab Emirates in a renewed bid to mend frayed ties that have stoked regional tensions. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said his country was taking “positive steps” to improve relations as Turkish and Egyptian officials were holding a second round of talks in Ankara. …

Taliban again postpone Afghan govt formation announcement
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban again postpone Afghan govt formation announcement

The Hindu  

The Taliban have postponed the formation of a new government in Afghanistan for next week, their spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said on Saturday, as the insurgent group struggles to give shape to a broad-based and inclusive administration acceptable to the international community. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday said that America and the international community expect the Taliban in …

Taliban postpone Afghan govt formation again, struggle to give shape to 'inclusive administration'
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban postpone Afghan govt formation again, struggle to give shape to 'inclusive administration'

India TV News  

The Taliban have postponed the formation of a new government in Afghanistan for next week, their spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said on Saturday, as the insurgent group struggles to give shape to a broad-based and inclusive administration acceptable to the international community. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday said that America and the international community expect the Taliban in …

Qatar, Taliban working on reopening Kabul airport
3 years, 3 months ago

Qatar, Taliban working on reopening Kabul airport

The Hindu  

Qatar is working with the Taliban to reopen Kabul’s airport as soon as possible, its Foreign Minister said on Thursday, urging the hardline Islamists to allow Afghans to leave. “We are working very hard we remain hopeful that we will be able to operate it as soon as possible,” said Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. Sheikh Mohammed …

Taliban discuss Kabul airport ops in official meet with Dutch delegates in Doha
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban discuss Kabul airport ops in official meet with Dutch delegates in Doha

Hindustan Times  

The Taliban reached out to a delegation of Dutch foreign ministry in Doha on Wednesday, in their first diplomatic contact with the European nation. A Taliban spokesperson, Mohammad Naeem, said the head of their political office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, met with a delegation of foreign ministry officials from the Netherlands to discuss on the evolving situation in …

Why Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reaching out to Taliban as US exits Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

Why Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reaching out to Taliban as US exits Afghanistan

Firstpost  

The Turkish president sees an opportunity to not only improve his standing amongst NATO allies, but also curb the flow of Afghan migrants into his country Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday held his first talks with the Taliban in Kabul. We are continuously updating our plans according to developments regarding the security situation.” Erdogan further said that “Turkey …

Taliban in talks with Qatar, Turkey to manage Kabul airport
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban in talks with Qatar, Turkey to manage Kabul airport

Al Jazeera  

After the US’s withdrawal Kabul airport is without air traffic control services and talks are on to secure the airport. The Taliban are in talks with Qatar and Turkey about the management of Kabul airport as it lacks air traffic control services now that the United States military has withdrawn from Afghanistan. The FAA said in a statement that “due …

Turkey holds first talks with the Taliban in Kabul
3 years, 3 months ago

Turkey holds first talks with the Taliban in Kabul

Al Jazeera  

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says discussions under way as Turkey decides on a Taliban request to help run Kabul’s airport. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey held its first talks with the Taliban in Kabul, adding Ankara was still assessing the armed group’s offer to assist in operating the international airport. Responding to domestic criticism over Turkey’s engagement …

Turkish military begins Afghanistan evacuations
3 years, 3 months ago

Turkish military begins Afghanistan evacuations

Al Jazeera  

Defence ministry says evacuations begin, as report says Taliban insists Ankara withdraw troops fully by end of August. Turkey’s military has begun evacuating from Afghanistan, the defence ministry says, after the Taliban had asked Ankara for technical help to run Kabul airport, but insisted it withdraws its military by the end of August. The Reuters news agency reported on Wednesday …

Taliban appeals for international recognition; says China has 'big role' to play
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban appeals for international recognition; says China has 'big role' to play

India TV News  

The Taliban have appealed to the international community to recognize it amid growing resentment against it at home and abroad, even as the Afghan militant group sought to placate China, saying Beijing can play a “big role” under its rule in the strife-torn country. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the international community should "respect the will of the Afghan people" …

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai holds talks with senior Taliban leader
3 years, 4 months ago

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai holds talks with senior Taliban leader

Hindustan Times  

A Taliban commander and senior leader of the Haqqani Network militant group, Anas Haqqani, met for talks with former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, a Taliban official told Reuters on Wednesday. The former Afghan President and chief peace envoy have been negotiating with senior leaders of the Taliban since the fall of Kabul. Senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi has already …

Turkey slams US statement on planned resettlement of Afghans
3 years, 4 months ago

Turkey slams US statement on planned resettlement of Afghans

Al Jazeera  

Ankara says Washington’s plan to take in Afghans through third countries could cause a new regional migration crisis. The Turkish government has criticised a US plan to use third countries such as Turkey to resettle thousands of Afghans who risk being targeted by Taliban fighters over their Washington links, saying the move would cause a “great migration crisis” in the …

Turkey aims for dialogue with Taliban on Kabul Airport plan
3 years, 5 months ago

Turkey aims for dialogue with Taliban on Kabul Airport plan

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s president said Tuesday his country will talk with the Taliban regarding Turkey’s bid to operate and secure the airport in the Afghan capital, Kabul. Speaking after Eid al-Adha prayers in northern Cyprus, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged that the hardline Islamist group had some “discomforts” over Turkey’s proposed plans for Hamid Karzai International Airport. “This process will …

Erdogan calls for US support for Turkey to protect Kabul airport
3 years, 5 months ago

Erdogan calls for US support for Turkey to protect Kabul airport

Al Jazeera  

Turkey could run Afghan capital’s airport if US meets conditions on logistics and financing, President Erdogan says. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the United States to meet “conditions” including financial, logistical and diplomatic support, so that Turkey can run and guard Kabul airport after other foreign troops withdraw from Afghanistan. “There will be serious financial and administrative …

Afghan gov’t delegation, Taliban to talk peace in Qatar: Official
3 years, 5 months ago

Afghan gov’t delegation, Taliban to talk peace in Qatar: Official

Al Jazeera  

Doha talks will be led by Abdullah Abdullah, with ex-President Hamid Karzai among delegates, says an Afghan official. A high-powered Afghanistan government delegation, which will include the head of the country’s reconciliation council, is to meet the Taliban in Qatar to jumpstart a long-stalled peace process, says an Afghan official, according to a report by The Associated Press news agency. …

Afghanistan: Can Turkey tame the Taliban?
3 years, 5 months ago

Afghanistan: Can Turkey tame the Taliban?

The Hindu  

Now that almost all Western troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan, the central government in Kabul is largely on its own to fight the radical Islamist Taliban. During talks on the sidelines of last month's NATO summit in Brussels, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden about the possibility of stationing Turkish troops in Afghanistan, apparently …

Turkey’s troops should leave Afghanistan under 2020 deal: Taliban
3 years, 6 months ago

Turkey’s troops should leave Afghanistan under 2020 deal: Taliban

Al Jazeera  

Taliban spokesman tells Reuters Turkey should withdraw troops as part of deal with the US for pullout of foreign forces. Turkey should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan under the 2020 deal for the pullout of foreign forces, a Taliban spokesman has said, effectively rejecting Ankara’s proposal to guard and run Kabul’s airport after the United States-led NATO forces depart. Asked …

Istanbul meeting calls on Taliban to commit to Afghan peace talks
3 years, 8 months ago

Istanbul meeting calls on Taliban to commit to Afghan peace talks

Al Jazeera  

Foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan underline a ‘need for an immediate ceasefire’ and a ‘conducive atmosphere’ for peace talks. The foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan have called on the Afghan Taliban to reaffirm its commitment to achieving a negotiated settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan. In a joint statement issued after talks in Istanbul on Friday, …

Turkey postpones Afghanistan peace summit over Taliban no-show
3 years, 8 months ago

Turkey postpones Afghanistan peace summit over Taliban no-show

Al Jazeera  

The international conference, deemed essential for war-torn country’s future amid escalating violence, now to be held after Ramadan. Hosting the meeting together in Istanbul will be Turkey, Qatar and the UN.” A senior Afghan government official told the Reuters news agency the Istanbul meeting is “not happening on the given date because the Taliban refused to attend”. The US and …

Turkey to host 10-day Afghanistan peace talks from April 24
3 years, 8 months ago

Turkey to host 10-day Afghanistan peace talks from April 24

Al Jazeera  

UN, Qatar included in US-backed push to jump-start talks ahead of May 1 deadline for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. The meeting would include the United Nations and Qatar as part of a United States-backed push to advance stalled Doha talks ahead of a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. “The overriding objective of the Istanbul …

Taliban refuse to attend Afghan talks in Turkey if held this week
3 years, 8 months ago

Taliban refuse to attend Afghan talks in Turkey if held this week

Al Jazeera  

Turkey is set to host talks as part of a US-backed push to jumpstart the Afghan peace process. The Taliban will not attend a meeting on the Afghan peace process in Turkey if it took place this week, the armed group’s spokesman said. “We can’t take part in Turkey’s conference on 16 April as discussions on attending the conference are …

Turkey plans to host Afghan peace talks in April
3 years, 9 months ago

Turkey plans to host Afghan peace talks in April

Al Jazeera  

Turkish FM says both Taliban and Afghan government asked Turkey to host the meeting, which will complement Doha talks. Turkey plans to host Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul in April, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, and Ankara will appoint an Afghanistan special envoy. In a letter leaked to Afghan media, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken encouraged Afghan leaders to …

Taliban cheers Trump vowing early troop withdrawal, Kabul sceptic
4 years, 2 months ago

Taliban cheers Trump vowing early troop withdrawal, Kabul sceptic

Al Jazeera  

Group welcomes announcement as a ‘positive step’ while gov’t says premature withdrawal may have negative consequences. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid on Thursday said Trump’s statement was welcome and he considered it a “positive step” for the implementation of the peace agreement between the United States and the Taliban signed in Qatar earlier this year. But Abdullah Abdullah, the head of …

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