Erdogan reveals details about holding Turkey its first talks with Taliban

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday that Turkey had held its first talks with the Taliban in Kabul, explaining that Ankara was still assessing the movement’s proposal to manage the capital’s airport after the US withdrawal.

Erdogan told reporters: “Our first talks with the Taliban lasted three and a half hours.”

“If necessary, we will have the opportunity to have such talks again.”

After noting that the talks took place in a military part of Kabul airport, where the Turkish embassy is temporarily based, Erdogan made clear that the Taliban wanted to take over security at the airport, but suggested that Ankara should provide logistical support.

He continued: “They say: We will ensure security as you operate (the airport). We have not yet taken any decision on this issue.”

He said the suicide bombing, which killed at least 85 people, including 13 US soldiers, outside the airport as evacuations were gradually completed, revealed the importance of determining how to secure the airport.

“Turkey had initially offered to help secure and manage the airport in the Afghan capital, but on Wednesday it began withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, hinting at abandoning the target.”

Erdogan said: “We will make a decision once calm returns.”

In response to criticism in Turkey over Ankara’s relations with the Taliban, Erdogan said his country would not accept standing idly by in this troubled region.

“We cannot know their expectations or our expectations without discussions. What is diplomacy ? This is diplomacy.”