Turkish FM: Cooperation needed for stable Afghanistan

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - "Effective" regional cooperation is needed to achieve stability in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday.

"We need effective regional cooperation to achieve greater stability and security in this brotherly country," Cavusoglu told the seventh ministerial conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process on Afghanistan in Azerbaijan's capital Baku.

Cavusoglu said the meeting was "timely", adding: "It is indeed another testimony to our collective resolve to continue working together to support Afghanistan."

The Istanbul Process aims to reinforce regional cooperation and solidarity to support Afghanistan in every field.

"Today, there is no doubt that the Istanbul Process has strong roots. However, we cannot claim that the political dialogue is at the desired level. In addition, we cannot say that the implementation of the confidence building measures is satisfactory," Cavusoglu said.

The minister said he believes countries in the region can re-energize cooperation if they engage in "genuine and sustained" dialogue.

"Turkey will continue to stand by Afghanistan as long as Afghanistan needs us. We will maintain our solidarity with our Afghan brothers and sisters under all circumstances," he said.

Cavusoglu said Ankara will continue to promote regional cooperation in support of Afghanistan within the Heart of Asia together with the supporting countries and with international organizations.