Erdogan: Turkey And Afghanistan Have Perfect Political Relations

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey and Afghanistan have perfect political relations.
Before he flew to Afghanistan on Wednesday, Erdogan told reporters in Ankara that Afghanistan recorded significant progress in security and stability since Bonn Agreement was signed in 2001.
''Afghanistan has made progress in reconstruction. Turkey has exerted every effort to contribute to Afghanistan's independence, national unity and territorial integrity. Also, Turkish companies have played an effective role particularly in infrastructural and superstructural works in this country. Our country, which sincerely wishes that peace, security and stability will prevail in Afghanistan and its people (Afghan people) will reach prosperity, continues its support to its Afghan brothers and sisters.''
''Our country has once more undertaken ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) leadership for six months, as of February 13th,'' said Erdogan.
Recalling that parliamentary elections would be held in Afghanistan, Erdogan said that ISAF command would also work to assure security during the elections.
Erdogan stated that Turkey had undertaken the responsibility to operate the Kabul Airport for six months and said that Turkey had also undertaken the responsibility to train the War School students in Kabul to contribute to establishment of an Afghan national army.
Turkey continued its contributions to Afghanistan's reconstruction and implemented several projects in areas such as education, health and agriculture, Erdogan pointed out.
Erdogan went on saying, ''besides my meeting with (Afghan) President Hamid Karzai, I will also meet (former) King Zahir Shah, who is considered to be the father of Afghanistan. I will discuss our bilateral relations and explore the ways to enhance our cooperation in various areas during my meetings.''
''Our political relations with Afghanistan are perfect. Progress has been made in our economic and commercial relations. Many Turkish companies have undertaken projects in Afghanistan. I believe that investments of our companies will lay a positive ground for the future,'' said Erdogan.
Erdogan added that he would visit ISAF headquarters and Turkish units in ISAF, and meet (Turkish) businessmen and citizens (living and working in Afghanistan).