Erdogan confirms first talks Turkey had with Taliban

Turkey's President, Recep Tayip Erdogan, said his country has held its first talks with the Taliban in Kabul and added that Ankara is assessing the Islamic group's offer to operate at Kabul airport. Erdogan said talks have been held at a military unit at Kabul airport, where the Turkish Embassy is temporarily located.

We have been holding our first talks with the Taliban, which have lasted three and a half hours. If necessary, we will have the opportunity to hold further talks”, Erdogan said. Responding to domestic criticism of Turkey's commitment to the rebel group, Erdogan said Ankara “does not have the luxury” to stand by in the unstable region.

“You can't know what their expectations are or what our expectations are without negotiating”, Erdogan said. Turkey is planning to assist in the security and management of Kabul's airport, but on Wednesday it began withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan.

Erdogan said the Taliban now want to monitor security at the airport, while Ankara has offered it the opportunity to run its logistics. The president said the suicide attacks that took place the day before at Kabul airport have prompted Turkey to seek more details on how the air centre will be secured.