Erdogan: Turkey ready to defend Kabul airport

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he is open for talks with the Taliban. Turkey is prepared to defend Kabul airport under Taliban rule following the withdrawal of US troops, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Turkey is offered to control and run the airport, which is key to allowing countries to maintain a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, the BBC reported. But the Taliban's rapid advance has cast doubt on the plan, which was negotiated with American defence officials.

In a televised address Wednesday, Erdogan said Turkey still has it in its attention to operate at the airport. With Taliban holding control over the country, a new picture appeared before us,” he said. Now we're designing our plans according to these new realities. ”

Erdogan said he is ready to hold talks with Taliban leaders. We are open to any co-operation. They [the Taliban leaders] have been very sensitive to relations with Turkey,” said Erdogan.