25 Jan Turkey and Qatar reach an agreement to ensure security at Kabul airport
Turkey and Qatar have reached an agreement to ensure safety at Kabul’s main airport, amid talks with the Taliban government after two days of “intense negotiations.”
The agreement was confirmed via Turkish diplomats, as the country says it would be open to operating it with Qatar but only if security demands were met. The Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul is of significant importance to Afghanistan, as the country is landlocked. It serves as one of the nation’s main international airports and as one of the largest military bases, capable of housing over one hundred aircraft.
In a report by Reuters, the United Arab Emirates has also been in discussion with the Taliban to keep the airport operational.
The sources told reporters that Ankara and Doha had confirmed a security framework for the airport mission. However, conversation and discussions remain ongoing for other aspects including financing.
The source said: “It is expected for the Taliban to ensure security outside, and for whoever runs the airport to ensure it inside.”
They added: “The process is continuing constructively.”
Turkish and Qatari officials are due to hold talks on the issue in Kabul this week. Qatar’s state news agency said the Taliban government will be in Doha next week to “complete” discussions with Qatar and Turkey over the operation and management of the airport.