Turkey backs peace efforts in Afghanistan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Afghanistan is going through a crucial period for peace, a senior Turkish diplomat said Sunday following a meeting of international powers in Istanbul.

After the death of Taliban leader Mohammad Mansour, the emphasis on peace talks was particularly important, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Umit Yalcin said.

“Hundreds of thousands Afghans now have access to education and social services,” he told journalists. “The last two years have been a turning point for Afghanistan. We witnessed the democratic transfer of power after the 2014 presidential election [where] the number of women voting was high.”

Mansour was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan last month and was succeeded by Haibatullah Akhundzada.

The Quadrilateral Coordination Group of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the U.S. and China held its first meeting in January in a bid to boost the peace process.

Yalcin said Turkey fully supported the talks and praised Pakistan’s efforts.