Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Wednesday he would discuss with US counterpart Lloyd Austin a plan to ensure that Turkey operates and guards Hamid Karzai Airport in Kabul after NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. , adding that there is no final decision on the matter yet.
Ankara has offered to operate and guard the airport since NATO withdrew and has held talks with allies, mainly the United States, for financial, political and logistical support.
Airport security is important for diplomatic missions in Afghanistan after departure.
Speaking to a group of reporters after a cabinet meeting Monday, Akar said talks on the details of the mission were still ongoing and that the airport should be operational so that the Afghan government would not be isolated from the world after withdrawal.