Erdogan: Turkey to work with Pakistan to prevent new waves of Afghan refugees

“Turkey is facing a rising migration wave of Afghans passing through Iran,” he said, along with Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi.

“We will continue efforts to enable the return of stability in the region, starting in Afghanistan. To do this, we must pursue and strengthen our cooperation with Pakistan. We are determined to mobilise all available means for success,” said the Turkish leader.

The Taliban's revival comes after NATO troops withdrew following a decision by US President Joe Biden to withdraw, the AFP reports.

Pakistani President was in Istanbul for the launch of a ship built by Turkey for the South Asian country bordering Afghanistan and is a key regional player.

Turkey has several hundred soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and has offered to take responsibility for security at Kabul International Airport after the US completes its military withdrawal by the end of August, provided it has financial and logistical support.

Erdogan has also proposed meeting with Taliban leaders for talks.

The arrival of Afghan immigrants to Turkey's eastern border has become a hot political topic in Ankara, with the opposition pressuring the government to take strong measures to stop the flow.

The government has responded by stepping up construction of a border wall with Iran in recent days.

With this wall, we will completely stop the arrivals,” Erdogan said.