Turkey calls for more int’l investment in Afghanistan

By Sibel Morrow

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on international community on Monday to boost investments in Afghanistan during "sensitive" times the country has been going through.

Erdogan’s remarks came at the 8th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process convened at Dolmabahce Palace under Peace, Partnership, Prosperity theme.

"Afghanistan has been going through a sensitive period. As international community, we need to boost the investments we have been making for Afghanistan for the last 18 years," Erdogan said.

He also emphasized "regional cooperation" to tackle problems the South Asia region has been facing.

"I believe that the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process is also very useful and effective in providing regional support for peace," he said.

Erdogan said while the international community was committed to its pledges to Afghanistan, it is important that the Afghan government also fulfills its obligations.

"We welcome the positive steps taken by the Afghan government in the implementation of the Mutual Accountability Framework adopted in Geneva last year," Erdogan said.

He added that Turkey would do its best to eradicate Daesh/ISIS terror group in Afghanistan.

The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process -- a regional initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey launched in 2011 -- has two chairs with Afghanistan as the permanent chair, and a co-chair from among the member states that shifts each year.

"The process aims to promote regional security, economic and political cooperation centered on Afghanistan through dialogue and confidence building measures," according to the organization's website.