ANKARA - ''Current situation in Afghanistan is touching our hearts'', Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering of his Justice & Development Party (AK Party) at the parliament, Erdogan touched on his recent trip to Afghanistan and said, ''Afghanistan was exhausted by the wars. There is nothing left like a city.''
Recalling that Turkish Armed Forces (TCK) had undertaken the command of International Security & Assistance Force (ISAF) in this country for a second time, Erdogan noted that Turkish troops to serve Afghanistan till August had been loved and respected by Afghan people.
Erdogan stated that Afghan children were having education in tents in (capital) Kabul, and recalled that Turkey decided to build schools, hospitals and dwellings in this country, and extend infrastructural assistance to this country.
Turkey would build seven schools as a first step, and continue to construct schools in the future, said Erdogan.
Erdogan noted that Turkey also wanted to build health clinics and centers.
HIS VISITS TO ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
Touching on developments in the Middle East, Erdogan said that Turkey would continue to be the guarantor of peace and confidence in this region.
Erdogan stressed that Turkey had gained confidence of Israel and Palestine, carrying out a realistic and balanced policy, and recalled that he would visit Israel and Palestine between May 1st and 2nd.
Turkey's aim was to solve this problem, and see what kind of a duty it could undertake, added Erdogan.