KABUL, Feb 16 (A.A) - The first part of Turkish troops arrived on Saturday in Afghan capital Kabul with a C-130 cargo plane to join the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
At the airport in Kabul, a brief welcoming ceremony was held.
Speaking at the ceremony, Colonel Tuncer Erinmezler, the commander of the Turkish force, said, ''brave Turkish soldiers, welcome to brotherly and friendly Afghanistan.''
Erinmezler said, ''we are here to fight terror and to help our Afghan
brothers. We would like to help them today when they are in a difficult situation.''
Noting that Turkish peacekeepers would be welcomed warmly, Erinmezler said, ''the Afghan people have never forgotten Turkey's assistance. Turkey's presence will be a strong contribution to security and peace in the area.''
The Turkish force deployed in Afghanistan within the ISAF comprises 267 troops including 14 officers, 21 non-commissioned officers and 232 privates.
The dispatch of remaining personnel together with their equipment and other devices will be finalized in five days.