Turkey's unique role in Afghanistan in 2015

Over the last 35 years, Afghanistan has witnessed numerous tragic phases, the Soviet invasion, a civil war, Taliban-led administration and the US-led NATO operations.

Being aided by foreign powers post 2001, Turkey has been involved in rebuilding Afghanistan under NATO. Today, as Afghanistan starts its new journey, Turkey stands where it has always been.

The bond between Turkey and Afghanistan has grown stronger with time and has a deep meaning which leads back to the time of Turkey's war of independence. It was Afghanistan which first recognised the new Ankara government. Turning pages of history of these two countries refreshes the memory of the first agreement which was formed in the 1920s. Apart from foreign aid that the two countries provide to each other, the most important factor that binds them is socio-cultural and religious similarities.

In the post-2014 era, Turkey is likely to become one of the framework nations to serve Afghanistan with the beginning of the resolute support of NATO and end of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission. The new responsibility of Turkey recognised by NATO can be seen with Ambassador Ismail Aramaz's appointment as the new NATO SCR. This appointment shows Turkey's commitment to support Afghanistan.

As Afghanistan begins its transformation process, the air surrounding the country's economy concerns many international bodies. Addressing this situation, Ambassador Aramaz holds heavy duty to responsibly improve and stabilise the situation during his term as the top civilian official of NATO in Afghanistan. His initiatives would build links between the Afghan government, NATO and the United Nations.

Turkey's initiatives under ISAF have always been appreciated by the United States and other NATO countries, although Turkey never sent combat troops to Afghanistan. The fundamental efforts of civil initiatives and activities of several Turkish non-governmental organisations for restoring peace and stability are very much praised and respected by the Afghanistan Government and its people.

Although Turkey plays a unique role of non-combat force in Afghanistan after the end of 13-year NATO combat mission, Turkish armed forces take over the control of Hamid Karzai International Airport of Kabul from the French forces. They will now undertake the responsibilities for providing air services, training of technical staff and equipping of the airfield, as French forces gave them the handover.