Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Meets Turkish Ambassador in Kabul Ahead of Departure

Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban administration, held a farewell meeting on Monday, November 25, with Cenk Ünal, the Turkish Ambassador in Kabul. The meeting came as the ambassador’s term in Afghanistan has come to an end.

According to a statement issued by the Arg (the Presidential Palace), Ambassador Ünal emphasized during the meeting that he had worked to promote the interests of both countries throughout his tenure. He expressed satisfaction with the improvement in relations between Turkey and Afghanistan.

In response, Hanafi thanked the ambassador for his efforts and stated that the Taliban administration seeks to further strengthen ties between Kabul and Ankara. He also expressed hope that the process for issuing business and medical visas between the two countries would be simplified.

The meeting took place against a backdrop of diminished formal relations with many countries, including Turkey, following the collapse of the previous Afghan republic in 2021 and the Taliban’s return to power. Afghan citizens have since faced significant challenges in traveling abroad.